PTML Customs Command Records Highest Monthly Revenue

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said that B’Odogwu has recorded success since it was rolled out in the command as its pilot stage with increased revenue.

Comptroller Daniyan, Customs Area Controller, PTML Command disclosed this to newsman that the commands revenue has increased with the collection of #44.9 billion in November, 2024 which is the highest monthly collection ever made by the command.

Daniyan said that in addition to over 5 banks already hooked up to the system, the NCS ICT/Modernisation Department has concluded arrangement for the (17) banks that are on interswitch payment platform coming on board.

According to him, the customs headquarters have started interaction with the banks and this would be addressed by Thursday, he added.

He said that the information alleging that four vessels have been unattended to at the PTML berth due to B’Odogwu failure is untrue. He disclosed that the command met with some of the stakeholders earlier in the week where all issues bordering on the challenges experienced by agents were addressed and they were advised to engage the implementation team for further assistance.

He further said that to facilitate trade, the command has bent backwards by applying manual method to process cargoes and has established interface with the terminal operators to accommodate port users that have made entries on the platform.

He said that most agents claiming inability to capture have not registered on the platform. However, he urged them to come forward for capture to address any challenges.

B’Odogwu is a Nigerian baby that should be fed by Nigerians. We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother. I advised all Nigerians to support it. We are not going back to NICIS II. The use of NICIS II platform has come to an end in PTML as this is the position of the Service, he added.

“We are aware that some of our agents are yet to be fully acquainted with the additional requirements that were not involved in NICIS II. As the problems come up, We are solving them.”

“Note that the management has dispatched an implementation team here to ensure our stakeholders don’t suffer. We were disconnected from NICIS II three months ago and we have fully commenced implementation to grow our own teeth and serve the country better. We have left NICIS II here in PTML. We are committed to get it right here before moving to Tincan and other ports. Our turn around time for properly declared RoRo cargo is still two hours but this is dependent on compliance by the declaration. As a command, we will not sacrifice national security and revenue on the alter of trade facilitation,” he said.

So far, in November, 292 bills of laden have been captured in November while 375 are yet to be captured. On Wednesday, over 98 people have paid their duties under B’Odogwu platform as more banks are coming on board, he added.