…as command makes multiple seizures of arms, ammunitions
Total revenue generated by the Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in 2024 has reached N239.23 billion as at September.
Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan
This was revealed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, during the third quarter press briefing on the activities of the unit recently.
The command’s revenue collections for January to September 2024 is N53.44 billion above the N185.78 billion collected in the same period of 2023, representing a 29 percent increase.
Daniyan also said the command made seizures worth a total duty paid value of N28.47 million. The seized items included arms and ammunition comprising two pistols, 260 ammunition, empty shells and cartridges of different types.
Arms and ammunition intercepted at PTML, Apapa.
Also intercepted were a 40ft container No: ACLU9664782 containing 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres, six pieces of used fridges, used cloths and other used items worth N8 million in DPV.
The command also seized another 40ft container No:ACLU9810594 containing 120 bags of premium parboiled rice of various weights and valued at N6.5 million DPV.
Comptroller Daniyan further gave a breakdown of arms seized from the intercepted vehicles as follows:
12 rounds of 9mm Luger FC Blank ammunition and one 9mm Luger live ammunitions extracted from one used MAZDA CX5 ;
10 rounds of NIM FC 30-30 blank ammunitions, two rounds of 7.62mm x 39 AK hollow ammunitions, three rounds of WCC NIM Luger 9mm live ammunition and four rounds of C hollow ammunition extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA.
The command also seized 50 rounds of 76mm live cartridges and 109 empty shells of 76mm, 70mm, and other calibres extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA;
51 rounds of 12GA Winchester live cartridges extracted from one used LEXUS RX350, one SIGSAUER 1911 pistol with serial No: U03130962526 extracted from a TOYOTA SIENNA, one Glock 22 Austria pistol with serial No: KNTO03 and 13 rounds of 9mm hollow ammunition extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA with DPV of N5.3 million; an five rounds of 12GA live cartridges extracted from one used Toyota Tundra. The arms have a total DPV of N28.47 million.
The PTML Customs head explained that the reason for showcasing the seized ammunition is to inform all users of PTML about the readiness of Customs officers to seize without compromise any items that is in contravention of the extant regulation due to command’s zero tolerance for such.
He said the command had handed over relevant seizures to the Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs.
“Engr. Vonkur David Nankpark, NESREA’s Head of Lagos Ports Operations received the seized items on behalf of the agency’s Director General,” Daniyan said.
On the arms and ammunation, the Controller said they are under critical investigation before the normal handing over to the appropriate authority. A total of three suspects were detained in the respect of these seizures and have been granted administrative bail.
Speaking on trade facilitation, the Controller said: “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.
“An efficient and accessible dispute resolution committee has been strengthened and working harmoniously to regularly brief the Customs Area Controller with a view to quickly resolving all trade disputes. This committee contributed immensely to the success recorded during the period of nine months.
Parboiled rice, used tyres and used fridges seized from smugglers at PTML, Lagos.
“I want to appeal to our compliant traders to always make sincere declarations, avoid smuggling and take advantage of the various products put in place by the CGC like Time Release Study (TRS), Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme and Advance Ruling (AR) to help facilitate trade
“Since my assumption of office, I have prioritised the command’s relationship with all our stakeholders by strengthening the existing cordial relationships sustained over the years. This is applicable to both government and private sector stakeholders. This is in line with concept of constant stakeholder engagement for maximum cooperation engendering peace, harmony and trade facilitation.”
He said his interactions with importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and terminal operators had contributed greatly to the harmonious operations in the command and assured that the mutual relationship with the stakeholders and port users would continue to promote trade.
“The 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 , this will subsequently result in increase revenue collection for NCS as time goes by.
” Our capacity to handle more RoRo cargoes is supported by the command’s track record of efficiency which has been severally demonstrated through timely clearance of automobiles and other cargoes,” the CAC said
