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By Innocent Orok
Compt. Festus Okun during the briefing
Through various layers of checks to curbed revenue leakages, the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated a total sum of N189,347,565,309 in the 2020 out gone year.
According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Festus Okun during a media chat said despite the challenges faced during the year due to the outbreak of Covid19 pandemic and the world economic meltdown, the command was able to realize 79% of the 2020 revenue target which was N238, 224,920,038.88. The Command also exceeded the 2019 collection with N30, 011,087,116, which was N159,336,478,193, which represents 19% increase.
On Export trade , the command recorded a total of 151, 938 tons , with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N117, 337,234, 666.67. While its anti smuggling drive recorded a feat for over six years , the seizure of 6x20ft containers of Idole lightening soap and lotion with Duty Paid Value of N287, 009,745. The seized items was falsely declared as bean seed.
On trade facilitation, Comptroller Okun said ” The command was able to put in place various measures to enhance facilitation of legitimate trade. Some of those measures were in the areas of capacity building for officers, strengthening of those dispute resolution committee and building a strong team for quality service delivery, thus engendering ease of doing business. We have a functional help – desk, while we keep our doors open to stakeholders for direct access”.
The Command also recorded major feats in national security with strict compliance to regulatory requirements for controlled items. Inter agency collaboration and stakeholders engagement also recorded major boost.
Despite the challenges of Covid19 , the deplorable state of port access roads, the volatile nature of the environment and 100% physical examination of containerized cargoes among others, the Command was able to achieve the following, ability to raise revenue, recording the first seizure after six years, strick compliance to Covid19 protocols which resulted in keeping all officers and Men of the command safe and automation of the Bond Seat of the Command.
Comptroller Okun who said about 80% of cargoes from the Command are vehicles being a Roll- On -Roll- Off designated terminal , also stated that consignments are cleared from the command between five to 24 hours.
For this year, he said ” Having conducted our ‘ SWOT Analysis’ we have mapped out strategies to build on the successes recorded in the year 2020. We will build and improve on our areas of strength, work on weaknesses identified, take our opportunities right from the low hanging to the challenging ones and put measures in place to deal with the threats . By so doing , we forecast a better performance in 2021″, he assured.
