Customs nets ₦178b at PTML, Miko resumes office

By Ramadan AbusiOdumare

The management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has appointed DC Nura Ibrahim Miko as the Acting Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), command in Lagos.

Miko took over from outgoing Controller Joseph Anani after he disclosed that the command has collected over ₦178billion revenue as at the time of handing over to the new Acting Controller.

The new Area controller has promised to operate with integrity and ensure due process while facilitating seamless trade at the port.

He also assured officers and men of PTML Command and stakeholders of his readiness to work with them and lead by example.

His words: “I want you to know that I am here to work with you, not merely to lead you. Under my watch Integrity will be non-negotiable;Trade facilitation will remain our priority. Due process will be strictly respected. Teamwork will be our greatest strength. Results will be achieved through collaboration, not fear. Together, we will take this command to greater heights”

He described the PTML as a well organised Command while promising to build on the achievements of his immediate predecessor.

He also sought continued cooperation and collaboration of all sister agencies and stakeholders operating within the Command while acknowledging that effective port operations depend on inter-agency synergy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.

According to him, the Command will remains open to constructive engagement confirming his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and a level playing field for all.

He added that together the Command’s Stakeholders will sustain PTML’s position as a model command for efficiency and integrity.

While thanking the Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence and trust reposed in him, the Acting Controller said the nation’s number one Customs officer’s policy thrust of Innovation, Consolidation, and Collaboration will be upheld as they jointly write the next chapter of the PTML Area Command.

Comptroller Anani who has been deployed to Tin Can Island Command, described his eight months service period at PTML as an extraordinary privilege to serve as the Area Controller

He recalled the success of his predecessor who pioneered the roll out of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu and started the process of addressing it’s initial challenges and how he (Anani) consolidated it to success

“When I first walked into this role, I carried a clear mandate: to steer this command through it’s modernisation transition stage to a more stable state.

“After my predecessor saw to the successful roll out of B’Odogwu and was addressing the teething challenges associated with such an innovative system, I came and with the support of my fellow officers, sister agencies and stakeholders, we took it to the next level. This could not have been possible without the support of all of you,” Anani said

Anani added that “On the enforcement side of our operations, we succeeded in seizing and handing over illicit drugs, arms and ammunition to the relevant government agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW)domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

“On my watch, we launched groundbreaking initiatives by achieving one hour clearance of compliant vehicle imports, and most importantly, built a culture where every one feels valued and encouraged to do more in terms of compliance. None of these would have been possible without the dedication, creativity, and resilience of each and every one of you” Anani said.