TRADE FACILITATION: Cargo Clearance Dropped To Six Hours At PTML ,As Freight Agents Laud Customs

By Roland Ekama

Cargo clearance at Ports and Terminals Multiservices Limited PTML has dropped to six hours for those with genuine declaration ,freight agents have disclosed.

It was gathered that despite the lull in cargo clearance, mostly as it affects fairly used vehicle , agents confirmed that imported cars can exit the terminal within a day as far as the documentation has no discrepancy.

Findings revealed that the proactive mechanism by the terminal operator and Nigeria Customs Service, made it possible towards achieving 24 hours cargo clearance at the port terminal.

Confirming the development, a stalwart of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onome Joy Imonije commended the Customs Area Controller,PTML Command, Nigeria Customs Service and management of the port terminal for the innovation towards ensuring smooth cargo clearance.

Imonije, a former Public Relations Officer, Tin Can Island Chapter of ANLCA noted that six hours cargo clearance from the Roll On Roll Off (RORO) terminal is achievable because of the proximity of the shipping company and terminal respectively.

The freight forwarder stated that with the open door policy of the Area Controller of customs who takes pain to listen to complaints , also made it possible to clear consignment within that period upon arrival of the vessel.

She explained that “six hours is actually possible for genuine and honest documentation to clear cargoes at PTML .”

According to her, challenges are treated within an hour by officers under the command, because the controller of customs is willing to welcome complaints from the shippers or agents

On furtherance to fast cargo clearance, she further urged freight agents and their principals to embrace honest declaration in line with the ease of doing business.

She added that aside vehicles, containers can exit the terminal within 24 hours if the documentations are intact.

While corroborating the development, a freight agent, Sunday Okafor told our correspondent that clearance of vehicles at the terminal within six hours adding that before the arrival of the imported vehicles , all the necessary documentation might have been completed.

He said the innovation made it possible to clear vehicles with six hours noting that with honest declarations, cargoes exit the terminal within a day.

Recall that vehicles clearance take at least three to six days before exiting the port terminal.