Freight Forwarders Laud Customs Controller Of PTML Over Reduction Of Multiple Alerts

By Roland Ekama 

Freight Forwarders Urge PTML Customs to Streamline Timing of Cargo Examination…Laud Controller Over Reduction of Multiple Alerts Freight forwarders have commended the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command over the recent reduction of multiple alerts on cargo from the port.

Chairman of NAGAFF, PTML Chapter, Fwdr. Thomas Alor, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos during a chat with Daily Focus Nigeria, maintained that Comptroller Joe Anani has made the process of cargo clearance easier since assuming office as the Area Controller.

According to him, the reduction of multiple alerts has aided seamless cargo movement. However, he added that some officers of the command should improve their coordination for joint cargo examinations.

Alor reiterated that the Area Controller has assured stakeholders of a robust working relationship to promote trade facilitation and 24-hour cargo clearance.

The Chairman noted: “We have a good relationship with the customs and shipping company. Clearance of cargo takes 24 hours if there is an honest declaration.

“In PTML, we don’t have much in terms of problems.”But for the operational challenges, I will say agents are not always 100% compliant. Honest declaration is also a problem.”Customs officers don’t carry out examinations at the same time, leading to delays.

He noted that”Examiners come on their own, and the same goes for the CIU and Compliance Controller’s department—they come one after the other. I feel this should be harmonized to enable examiners to write reports on time.

“The PTML controller, the chairman said, made it clear to us that there will be no multiple alerts, which has been achieved, and he deserves commendation.

He also explained that the process is ongoing to engage the Area Controller on the best way out of these operational challenges, noting that engagement and consultation with customs will address the situation.

Alor commended the President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, for his leadership support, noting that the association has been supportive of the PTML chapter.