Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited, PTML, Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a 34.3 per cent growth in revenue collection in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting stronger enforcement, improved automation, and sustained trade facilitation.
Comptroller Joe Anani, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller, disclosed this during his maiden press conference held at the Command headquarters, noting that the Command collected a total of N116.2 billion between July and September 2025 — up from N86.5 billion in the same period last year.
“This represents a significant growth trajectory and is a testament to the diligence of our officers and the success of the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu,” Anani said.
“The platform has simplified clearance processes, improved transparency, and enhanced our capacity to monitor trade and collect revenue efficiently.”
According to him, the PTML Command’s success aligns with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, whose agenda of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation continues to drive operational efficiency across the service.
“I took over a well-organised Command, and on my watch, we have sustained the tempo of achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, prevention of smuggling, stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency collaboration,” the Customs boss said.
Despite the impressive fiscal performance, Comptroller Anani reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and illicit trade. He said several high-profile seizures were made during the third quarter, including a WE Tactical Airsoft pistol made in Taiwan, two magazines, and 12 live rounds of ammunition.
He further disclosed that officers intercepted a 40-foot container falsely declared as magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, apparatus but found to contain 6,262 cartons of antibiotics of various brands after a 100 per cent examination. Another 20-foot container declared as supermarket items was discovered to be loaded with pharmaceutical drugs.
“The Duty Paid Value of the two containers stood at N200 million,” Anani revealed. “We have demonstrated that trade facilitation does not mean compromise on national security. We will continue to enforce the law while supporting legitimate trade.”
The PTML Customs chief emphasised the Command’s ongoing partnership with sister agencies, which he described as a cornerstone of national security and supply chain integrity.
“We have deepened intelligence sharing and coordinated inspection exercises with agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the Nigeria Police,” he said. “These collaborations have greatly enhanced our ability to detect and intercept harmful or substandard goods before they enter the market.”
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized containers were formally handed over to the Director of the Port Inspection Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Olakunle Olaniran.
Dr. Olaniran commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained commitment to national health and safety. “The seizure of these counterfeit and unregistered drugs demonstrates effective enforcement. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with Customs to ensure that Nigerians are protected from harmful products,” he said.
Comptroller Anani expressed gratitude to compliant importers and terminal operators for their cooperation and adherence to trade laws, while urging all stakeholders to key into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator framework.
“The future of trade facilitation lies in compliance,” he said. “We encourage our partners to take advantage of the AEO framework to enjoy faster processing, fewer inspections, and lower costs, provided they maintain full compliance with import and export regulations.”
He assured that the Command would sustain its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and technology-driven operations in support of the Federal Government’s economic diversification goals.
“Our mandate is clear — to collect every kobo due to government, facilitate legitimate trade, and safeguard our borders,” Anani declared. “We will not relent.”
