The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited, Comptroller Joe Anani, has called on stakeholders at the command to embrace compliance as a pathway to faster cargo clearance, efficient trade facilitation, and sustainable port operations.

Anani made this appeal during his official takeover ceremony from the immediate past CAC, Assistant Comptroller-General Tenny Daniyan. The ceremony was held on Saturday, according to a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Abubakar.

The change of leadership followed the recent promotions and redeployments approved by the Nigeria Customs Service Board at its 63rd regular meeting, during which Daniyan and 11 others were elevated to the rank of ACG.

In his maiden address, Anani stressed that compliance with regulations remains central to efficient port operations and trade facilitation. He noted that PTML currently holds an impressive record of releasing compliant Roll-on Roll-off consignments within two hours and expressed optimism that greater compliance could further reduce clearance time.

“The keyword here is compliance. With improved compliance and an efficient system, we can achieve clearance in less than two hours. Compliance ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners. Non-compliance, on the other hand, leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, seizures, detentions, and even arrests,” Anani said.

He explained that compliance is a “win-win” situation for both customs and port stakeholders as it saves time, cuts costs, and strengthens Nigeria’s trade competitiveness globally.

The new PTML CAC pledged to sustain and expand the achievements recorded by his predecessor, particularly in the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu. He commended the former CAC for leading the pilot phase of the automation project to full deployment across several commands.

“I am not here to do it alone. This journey to success must remain a collective task. I call on all customs officers, sister agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the media to support our goal of sustaining PTML as a model port of excellence,” Anani said.

He promised to maintain accessibility, encouraging stakeholders to interact with him directly or virtually and provide relevant information to support his administration.

Anani also reiterated his commitment to enforcing the Comptroller-General of Customs’ zero-tolerance stance on smuggling while pledging to build on the gains of the Time Release Study programme, which aligns with faster cargo clearance goals.

Stakeholders at the handover ceremony commended outgoing CAC, ACG Daniyan, for his outstanding performance and contribution to the PTML command.

President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, Frank Ogunojemite, praised Daniyan’s leadership, describing him as a man whose records speak volumes. He urged him to carry his passion and zeal into his new role on the NCS management team.

Similarly, Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Charles Nwarrienne, lauded Daniyan’s role in ensuring the success of the B’Odogwu project from its pilot stage to full consolidation. He described the outgoing CAC as an excellent officer deserving of a “certificate of project completion.”

Anani, in his closing remarks, reassured all stakeholders that PTML will remain a model port distinguished for efficiency, security, and diligent trade facilitation. He emphasised that compliance-driven operations will strengthen trust among stakeholders, enhance revenue collection, and further position Nigeria as a competitive trading hub.

With Anani’s assumption of office, PTML stakeholders are optimistic about a new chapter of collaboration, efficiency, and adherence to best practices that will consolidate the command’s record as a leader in cargo clearance and trade facilitation.