By Amina Ojelabi
The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a new helmsman as Comptroller Joe Anani formally assumed duty, pledging to sustain the command’s record in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and anti-smuggling operations.
He took over from Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Tenny Mankini Daniyan at a brief ceremony held at the command headquarters, following a recent redeployment exercise approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Anani commended the pioneering achievements of his predecessor, particularly the successful roll-out of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu. He assured stakeholders that the command would not only sustain but also improve on these milestones.
“I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two-hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignments. With improved compliance and an efficient system, we can even do better,” Anani said, stressing that compliance remains the bedrock of smooth trade facilitation.
He called on customs officers, sister agencies, freight forwarders, and other private sector stakeholders to embrace compliance, noting that it reduces delays, mitigates risks, and enhances efficiency. He warned that non-compliance would attract interventions, demand notices, seizures, and possible arrests.
The new CAC also pledged strict enforcement of the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling, while assuring stakeholders of his accessibility.
“My office is without a door. I shall be available to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve on our duties,” he stated.
Stakeholders at the handover ceremony lauded ACG Daniyan’s leadership, describing his tenure as transformative.
Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), hailed him as “a man whose records speak volumes positively.”
Chief Charles Nwarrienne, Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), PTML Chapter, added that Daniyan deserved “a certificate of project completion” for his successful oversight of B’Odogwu from pilot to full deployment.
With Comptroller Anani’s assumption of duty, stakeholders expressed optimism that PTML will consolidate its position as a model port of excellence in security, efficiency, and trade facilitation.
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