New PTML Customs boss vows seamless trade facilitation

The newly deployed Acting Area Controller in charge of the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nura Ibrahim, a Deputy Controller of Customs, has promised to operate with integrity and follow due process while ensuring seamless trade facilitation.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Abubakar, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, stated this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Nura Ibrahim stated this when he formally took over as the new CAC of the command from the outgoing Controller, Joseph Anani, on Monday at the command.

Ibrahim reiterated that under his watch, integrity will be non-negotiable.

“I want you to know this: 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, and teamwork will be our greatest strength. Results will be achieved through collaboration, not fear. Together, we will take this command to greater heights,” Ibrahim said.

He described the PTML as a well-organised command even as he promised to build on the achievements of his immediate predecessor.

Ibrahim also urged continuous cooperation and collaboration among all sister agencies and stakeholders operating within the command.

He stressed 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 PTML will remain open to constructive engagement.

He confirmed his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and a level playing field for all.

Ibrahim added that together, the command’s stakeholders will sustain PTML’s position as a model command for efficiency and integrity.

While thanking the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, for the confidence and trust reposed in him, the acting CAC said the CGC’s policy thrust of innovation, consolidation, and collaboration will be upheld as they jointly write the next chapter of the PTML Area Command.

Earlier, the outgoing CAC, Joseph Anani, who has been deployed to Tincan Island Command, described his eight-month service period at PTML as an extraordinary privilege to serve as the PTML CAC.

Anani disclosed that the command had collected over N178bn in revenue as of the time of handing over.

He recalled the success of his predecessor, who pioneered the rollout of the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu, and started the process of addressing its 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 its modernisation transition stage to a more stable state. After my predecessor saw the successful rollout 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 the command’s 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, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser.”

“On my watch, we launched groundbreaking initiatives by achieving one-hour clearance of compliant vehicle imports and, most importantly, built a culture where everyone 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.

Ibrahim took over from Anani as the acting CAC of PTML on Monday, bringing an end to the tenure of Anani, who has been deployed to the Tincan Island Command of the service.