By Cynthia Alo

The new Customs Area Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to cut cargo clearance time to less than two hours for compliant consignments while deepening compliance and sustaining trade facilitation at the terminal.

Speaking at a brief handover ceremony where he took over from Assistant Comptroller General Tenny Mankini Daniyan, Anani said his priority would be to consolidate on the command’s reputation as a model port of excellence.

He said : “I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two-hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignments. The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient systems, we can do less than two hours.”

Anani emphasised that compliance was critical to sustaining efficiency at PTML. “Compliance, as the key to trade facilitation, is critical for smooth port operations. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners. Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.

“I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money,” he noted.

He warned that the command would not condone infractions. “Non-compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time, and possible seizure, detention and arrest. The CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling will be duly enforced on my watch,” Anani declared.

Promising to run an open-door administration, he added: “Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve our duties.”

He also called on all customs officers, officials of sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of PTML high.

Stakeholders at the terminal commended the outgoing Controller Daniyan for his leadership, especially in pioneering the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, which has since been rolled out to other commands.

They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.

President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively while urging him to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.

On his part, Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.