The new Customs Area Controller of the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Comptroller Joe Anani, has urged stakeholders to strengthen compliance with regulations as a means to achieve faster cargo clearance and improve trade efficiency.
Anani made the appeal on Saturday while assuming office from Assistant Comptroller-General Tenny Daniyan, who was recently promoted following Nigeria Customs Service Board approvals at its 63rd meeting.
In his address, Anani said PTML already records two-hour clearance for compliant Roll-on Roll-off consignments and expressed confidence that stronger adherence to rules could further cut processing times.
“Compliance is the keyword,” he said. “It reduces delays, saves costs, and builds trust among trading partners. Non-compliance, however, attracts sanctions such as seizures, detentions, and arrests.”
The CAC pledged to sustain and expand achievements under Daniyan, particularly the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu. He urged officers, government agencies, and private sector operators to support collective efforts to maintain PTML as a model port.
Anani also promised to uphold the Customs Comptroller-General’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and advance the Time Release Study programme aimed at expediting cargo processes.
Stakeholders at the handover commended Daniyan’s leadership. Frank Ogunojemite, President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, described him as a dedicated officer, while Charles Nwarrienne of the Licensed Customs Agents praised his role in consolidating the B’Odogwu project.
Anani closed by assuring accessibility to stakeholders and reaffirming his commitment to efficiency, security, and compliance-driven trade facilitation.