CUSTOMS: PTML Command Collects #239 Billion

CUSTOMS: PTML Command Collects #239 Billion.
… Uncovers Concealed Weapons, Ammunition in Imported Vehicle.

By Joe Njoku
Global Freight News.

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has collected a total of Two hundred and thirty nine billion, two hundred and thirty three million, five hundred and thirty thousand, two hundred and sixty five naira, forty eight koko (#239,233,530,265.48) between January and September 2024.

In a third quarter press briefing, the Area Controller, comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan disclosed that the total collection #53,448,500,240 is higher than the #185, 785, 030,025.47 collected for the same period under review representa a 29 percent increase.

On Anti-smuggling operations, Comptroller Daniyan disclosed that the command made seizures worth a total duty paid value of #28,478,034.76.

The Command’s seizures includes arms and ammunition comprising of 2 pistols, 260 ammunition, empty shells and cartridge different types.

Statistics of seizures made a container, 1x40ft with number ACLU9664782 found to contained;
i. 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres.
ii. 6 pieces of used fridges.
iii. 8 pieces of used Rug Carpets.
iv. 2 pieces of used mattresses.
v. 2 bags containing used clothes, shoes, bags with duty paid value put at #8,009,436.00.

Another seizures from container with number ACLU9810594 are, 56 bags of premium parboiled rice (45.4 kg each), 18 bags of premium parboiled rice (22.68 kg each), 20 bags of premium parboiled rice (4.5 kg each), 15 bags of premium parboiled rice (11.34 kg each), 18 kegs of soybean vegetable oil (15.87 kg each) with duty paid value of #6,512,400.00.

Seizures recovered from vehicles are; Twelve (12) rounds of 9mm Luger FC Blank ammunition and one (1) 9mm Luger live ammunition extracted from one (1) used Mazda CX5 with DPV of #37, 495.80, Ten (10) round of NIM FC 30-30 blank ammunition, (2) rounds of 7.62mm x 39 AK hollow ammunition, (3) rounds of WCC NIM Luger 9mm live ammunition and (4) rounds of C hollow ammunition removed from one used Toyota Tacoma with DPV of #63,698.96.

Others include, Fifty (50) rounds of 76mm live cartridges and one hundred and nine (109) empty shells of 76mm, 70mm, and other calibre extracted from another used Toyota Tacoma with DPV of #6, 987,576.00.
Fifty one (51) rounds of 12GA Winchester live cartridges from one used Lexus RX350 Jeep with DPV of #1,290,464.00

One (1) made in China Sigsauer 1911 pistol with serial number U03130962526 found in another Toyota Sienna with DPV of #241,354.00. One (1) Glock 22 Austria pistol with serial number KNT003 and (13) rounds of 9mm hollow ammunition found in a used Toyota Tacoma with DPV of #5,310,396.00. The seized arms and ammunition Will soon be handed over to the appropriate agency (DSS) pending the CGC’s directive.

Five (5) round of 12GA live cartridges found in another used Toyota Tundra keep with DPV of #25,304.00. The total DPV is put at #28,478,034.76.

Daniyan said that the showcasing of the live rounds of ammunition is to inform all end users of PTML Command’s readiness to confiscate without compromise of any items that is in contravention of the extant laws due to the commands zero tolerance position.

The 1x40ft container with number ACLU9664782 that contained items under prohibition list has been handed over to Engr. Vonkur David Nankpark, head of Lagos ports operations who received the item on behalf of the Director, Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) as directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs.

On arms and ammunition, the controller noted that the items are undergoing investigation before handing over to the appropriate authority.

However, A total of three (3) suspects has been arrested and detained for further investigation.

On trade facilitation, Daniyan said that, “Within the period under review, our trade facilitation and ease of doing business strategies have been sustained with our record breaking two hours clearance time for compliant RoRo cargoes.”

According to him, “An efficient and accessible resolution committee has been strengthened and are working harmoniously to regularly brief the Area Controller with a view to quickly resolve all trade disputes. The team contributed immensely to the success recorded so far..

“I want to appeal to our compliant traders to always make sincere declaration, avoid smuggling and take advantage of the various products put in place by the Comptroller-General of Customs, like Time Release Study (TRS), Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) to help facilitate trade. Since my resumption of office, I have prioritized the Command’s relationship with all our stakeholders by strengthening the existing cordial relationship sustained over the period. This is in line with constant stakeholders engagement for maximum cooperation, engendering peace, harmony and smooth trade facilitation.”

“My interaction with importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and terminal operators have contributed greatly to the harmonious operations you see in the command and we shall continually build on this to promote the overall objectives of the federal government.
Constant engagement with our host PTML and Grimaldi Management on the need to diversify their operations has resulted in their expansion to the far east by opening their office in Shanghai, China. Currently, goods mainly RoRo vehicles are being shipped from China to Nigeria which will help to increase collection for NCS as time progresses.”

“Our capacity to handle more RoRo cargoes is supported by the Command’s track record of efficiency which has been demonstrated through timely clearance of automobiles and other cargoes, he concluded.