PTML Customs generates N229bn revenue in 2022
… Exports fall sharply by 80%
The Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) Customs Command of Nigeria Customs Service
collected a total revenue of Two hundred and twenty-nine billion, four hundred and seventy-three million, nine hundred and twelve thousand, nine hundred and seventy- six naira, ninety-seven kobo (N229,473,912,976.97) in 2022.
This represents about Ninety-six percent of the revenue target of Two hundred and thirty eight billion, two hundred and twenty four million, nine hundred and twenty thousand, thirty-eight naira, eighty-eight kobo
(N238,224,920,038.88) set for 2021 and adopted by the Command in 2022.
The outgoing Area Controller of the command, Compt. Suleiman Bomai disclosed this while briefing the press on Tuesday.
He explained that the generated revenue shows an increase of Five billion, three million, seven hundred and ninety-nine thousand, two hundred and forty-three naira (N5,003,799,243.00) over the revenue for the year 2021 which was Two hundred and twenty-four billion, four hundred and seventy million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, seven hundred and thirty- three naira (N224,470,113,733.00).
The controller said that this represents an increase of 2.2 percent. Bomai stated that despite the recorded downtime occasioned by agents strike and alleged inability by some importers to clear their vehicles, the command was able to surpass 2021 revenue collection last year.
However, exports processed by the command dropped sharply by about 80 per cent.
Compt. Bomoi stated that the Command handled export goods on commodities such as cocoa, sesame seeds, palm oil and other food items with a total tonnage of about one hundred and seventy-eight thousand, five hundred and seventy-two point thirteen, (178,572.13) metric tons, with a total Free on Board (FOB) value of Two hundred and forty-nine million, four hundred and ninety thousand, six hundred and four point fifty-two (USD), ($249,419,604.52) in the year 2022.
According to him, in 2021, the total tonnage of about One hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred and seventy-eight, point eleven, (147,578.11) metric tons, with a total Free on Board (FOB) value of One billion, four hundred and fifty-two million, eight hundred and twenty- one thousand, nine hundred and twenty-one point fifty (USD), ($1,452,821,912.50).
This was a sharp drop of about 80 per cent.
The controller stressed that the command recorded some seizures in the year under review as a result of diligent hundred percent cargo examination and deployment of intelligence.
He informed that the command uncovered attempts to smuggle arms and ammunition into the country concealed in imported vehicles.
According to him, four seizures were recorded which include: (i) 1X40ft container containing three vehicles used to conceal two fire arms.
(ii) One used Ford Edge containing Fire Arm and thirty rounds of live cartridges.
(iii) One used Toyota sienna containing fire arm.
(iv) One used Toyota corolla containing ninety rounds of live ammunition.
Bomoi said that a total of six suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures and have been granted administrative bail.
The total duty paid value of the seizures is Thirty-six million, three hundred and sixteen thousand, one hundred and fifty-five naira only (#36,316,155.00).
On trade facilitation, the controller averred that within the period under review, the command sustained its average of
four-hour clearance time of vehicle for compliant traders.
He added that an efficient and accessible dispute resolution committee has been put in place to regularly brief the Customs Area Controller with a view to quickly resolving all trade disputes.
“The dispute resolution Committee in the Command was strengthened last year under my watch with experienced and knowledgeable officers.
“It achieved reducing the period trade disputes were resolved. This committee contributed immensely to the success recorded during the year under review.
“I personally monitor transactions and interventions by various units daily to sustain our standard of ease of doing business and trade facilitation”, he stated.
Compt. Bomai said that the Command has continued to maintain a cordial relationship with the various government agencies like the Nigeria police, NDLEA, NAFDAC,
SON, NESREA, NAQS, e.t.c.
“We have effectively functioned as the lead agency towards “ease of doing business” in the port. This has greatly contributed to the efficiency in service delivery. While the private sector players are our strategic stakeholders. We interacted closely with our strategic stakeholders like the importers, exporters, concessionaire, bonded terminal operators, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and others, where issues affecting various segment of the supply chain were well discussed and solution proffered
“Aside initial enlightenment done on the VIN valuation, PTML Command has been doing a lot of engagement on the issue to address the trade facilitation associated with standard and non-standard VIN.
“The various interventions approved by headquarters on the issue are diligently being implemented in the command. The innovation to automate clearance of non-standard VIN and use of code 846 for clearance is being applied too. Gradually, our stakeholders are showing understanding.
“Within the period under review, we had very torobust and productive engagements with other agencies of government where we shared ideas and pursued government objectives without compromising our respective mandates as enshrined in our enabling laws.
“We met from time to time to share intelligence, prevent and detect crimes in the national interest and on our part as NCS we prevented revenue loss,” he explained.
Bomoi gave the challenges being faced by the command as
I’m absence of functional scanners as well as
inadequate space.
He hoped that in future the Port and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) management and the various bonded warehouse operators will expand spaces to enhance Customs operation.
The controller who has just been promoted acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) showed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) CFR and his entire management team for their support as the command is enjoying their inspiring leadership, direction and guide.
“Our achievements as a command is a fallout of the cumulative efforts of Our officers and men with the cooperation of our strategic partners and strategic stakeholders. I also want to appreciate them all for their support and cooperation throughout the year 2022.
“I thank all our officers for the team spirit and consistency in working towards our set goals. I urge them to continue on same path in 2023. To gentlemen of the press, we say thank you for your support and partnership in projecting our activities throughout last year, and we are looking forward for your continued support and contributions towards the attainment of our Service goals and sustaining a peaceful,” he averred.