PTML Command Collects N239 Billion in Revenue, Seizes Weapons, Ammunition Hidden in Imported Vehicle
The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported impressive revenue collection alongside the interception of concealed weapons and ammunition during their latest operations.
Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the Command’s Controller, disclosed these developments at the third-quarter press briefing held in Lagos.
From January to September 2024, the PTML Command generated a total of N239,233,530,265.48 in revenue, representing a significant 29% increase from the same period in 2023, when N185,785,030,025.47 was collected.
This translates to an additional N53,448,500,240, showcasing the Command’s strengthened revenue mobilisation efforts.
In addition to its revenue achievements, the Command’s anti-smuggling activities led to the seizure of goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N28,478,034.76.
Notably, the seizures included arms and ammunition hidden within imported vehicles, preventing dangerous items from entering the country.
Among the intercepted items were two pistols, 260 rounds of ammunition, and various empty shells and cartridges.
These were discovered during routine inspections of imported vehicles, underscoring the Command’s vigilance in its anti-smuggling operations.
Comptroller Daniyan highlighted several significant seizures:
Mazda CX5: Contained 12 rounds of 9mm Luger blank ammunition and 1 round of live ammunition (DPV: N37,405.80).
Others include Toyota Tacoma: Found with 50 live cartridges, 109 empty shells, and other ammunition, with a DPV of N6,987,576.00.
Lexus RX350: Concealed 51 rounds of 12GA Winchester live cartridges (DPV: N1,290,464).
Toyota Sienna: One made-in-China SIGSAUER 1911 pistol with serial number U03130962526 was uncovered (DPV: N241,354).
The Controller affirmed that these firearms and ammunition are currently under investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities, such as the Department of State Services (DSS), upon completion of inquiries.
Three suspects connected to the smuggling attempts have been detained but granted administrative bail.
The Command also intercepted a 40-foot container carrying a variety of prohibited goods, including used motor tyres, refrigerators, and parboiled rice.
A total of 56 bags of premium parboiled rice, alongside other food items, were seized from another container, all with a total DPV of N8,009,436.
The container has since been handed over to the Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), following directives from the Comptroller General of Customs.
Despite the crackdown on smuggling, Comptroller Daniyan emphasised the Command’s commitment to trade facilitation, citing a record-breaking two-hour clearance time for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes.
The Command has strengthened its dispute resolution mechanisms to swiftly handle trade disagreements, contributing to the overall smoothness of operations.
Additionally, the Command’s continuous engagement with stakeholders, including importers, customs agents, and terminal operators, has fostered cooperation that supports both security and trade facilitation.
Comptroller Daniyan also commended PTML and Grimaldi management for their efforts in expanding their operations to China, a move expected to boost RoRo imports and further increase revenue collection for the NCS.
The PTML Command remains dedicated to maintaining the balance between efficient trade processes and robust anti-smuggling enforcement, ensuring both economic growth and national security.
