Lagos:  The newly redeployed Customs Area Controller, Ports Terminal Multi services Ltd (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to sustain zero tolerance for smuggling.
He also vowed to promote genuine trade facilitation.

Anani made the pledge while assuming leadership of the command from the newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday.

(The new Assistant Controller of PTML, Comptroller Joe Anani, receiving the service flag from the outgoing controller and newly decorated Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday)

He praised the organisation of the command and stakeholders, promising to build on the pioneering feats achieved under ACG Daniyan’s leadership.

Anani highlighted revenue generation and trade facilitation milestones achieved through the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, as key legacies he would sustain and improve upon.

(A cross section of Customs officers during the handing over ceremony of Comptroller Joe Anani in Lagos on Friday)

He called on customs officers, sister agencies, private sector operators and stakeholders to support him in maintaining PTML’s strong records of performance and compliance.

Anani urged stakeholders to remain compliant with regulations, noting that they stand to benefit more by staying on the right side of the law.

“I will strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling. I promise to be accessible, and everyone should feel free to interact with me,” Anani said.

He thanked the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, stressing that success must remain a collective responsibility for officers and stakeholders.

Anani pledged to improve on gains achieved by his predecessors, especially in faster cargo clearance, which aligns with the World Customs Organisation’s Time Release Study programme.

He noted PTML already maintains an outstanding two-hour cargo release record for compliant RoRo consignments, which could be shortened with improved compliance and efficiency.

“Compliance is the key to trade facilitation. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners,” he stated.

He warned that non-compliance results in interventions, demand notices, delays, seizures, detentions and possible arrests, stressing that compliance benefits all by saving both time and money.

Anani reaffirmed his commitment to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling, adding that PTML must remain a model port of efficiency, security and effective trade facilitation.

He commended ACG Daniyan for successfully piloting and deploying B’Odogwu across commands, describing his leadership as trailblazing in revenue, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling and stakeholder engagement.

President of APFFLON, Mr Frank Ogunojemite, described Daniyan as a leader whose achievements speak volumes, urging him to take his zeal to NCS management.

Chairman of ANLCA PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne, hailed Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving a “certificate of project completion” for consolidating the success of B’Odogwu.