Strong indications have emerged showing that the PTML Command of Nigeria Customs Service target of N414billion as revenue for the year 2024 may not materialize due to drop in vehicle imports.
Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)Yakubu Mohammad confirmed this, saying the command is now required to generate not less than N1.5billion daily.
Meanwhile, separate findings conducted by our correspondent showed that vessels calls at the PTML Terminal has dropped drastically for the past three weeks.
The PTML Customs Command had recorded a remarkable achievement in revenue collection for the year 2023.
The command, under the leadership of Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, collected a total of N256.3 billion in year 2023, surpassing the 2022 revenue collection by an impressive 12%.
Comptroller Yusuf highlighted that the 2023 collection is a significant increase of N26.9 billion compared to the previous year, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory in the Command’s revenue collection.
He emphasized the success of the command in fulfilling its core mandates, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling activities, and national security.
A comparative analysis of revenue generated between January and December 2022 and 2023 reveals a consistent positive trend, with an overall increase of 12%. Noteworthy improvements were observed in various months, reflecting the command’s commitment to enhancing revenue streams.
On export trade and anti-smuggling activities, the Command handled a substantial volume of goods, with a total tonnage of 159,314.23 metric tons, valued at N49.98 billion in Free on Board (FOB) terms during 2023.
While the command’s anti-smuggling efforts yielded significant results leading to uncovering attempts to smuggle arms, ammunition, expired goods, and medical items through the Command. The seizures includes containers with used household items falsely declared as vehicles, concealed firearms, expired tomato concentrates, and illicit pharmaceuticals.The enforcement actions led to the arrest of five suspects, while the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stood at N158.4 million.
The Command also maintained an efficient three hour clearance time for compliant traders, ensuring a smooth trade facilitation process.
The establishment of a Dispute Resolution Committee contributed to resolving trade disputes promptly.The command actively engaged with strategic stakeholders and partners, fostering collaboration with government agencies such as NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, NPA, NESREA, and NAQS. Regular meetings served as platforms to discuss supply chain issues, share intelligence, and prevent revenue loss.
Comptroller Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire management team for their support and leadership.
“This impressive performance by PTML Command reflects a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and collaboration, positioning it as a key player in trade facilitation and revenue generation for Nigeria”, Comptroller Yusuf said.
