PTML customs challenges stakeholders to beat two-hour cargo clearance record, higher revenue 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port & Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Nura Miko, has called for deeper collaboration among terminal operators, freight forwarders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to further improve trade facilitation, accelerate cargo clearance, and boost revenue generation.

Miko made the call during his maiden visit to the Grimaldi/PTML Terminal in Lagos on Tuesday, where he held strategic engagements with the management of Grimaldi, PTML, freight forwarding associations, and sister government agencies operating within the port environment.

Miko

The Customs chief commended the investments made by Grimaldi and PTML in developing what he described as Nigeria’s leading Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, noting that the facility has distinguished itself through adherence to international standards, robust security architecture, and efficient cargo handling processes.

Highlighting the Command’s achievement of maintaining a two-hour cargo clearance timeline for compliant RoRo imports, Miko challenged stakeholders to work collectively towards reducing the turnaround time even further while maintaining transparency and operational integrity.

According to him, faster cargo clearance would not only enhance trade facilitation but also improve terminal space management, reduce congestion, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime destination.

“PTML Command holds the record as the Command with a two-hour cargo clearance time for compliant RoRo imports. As a Service, we can do even better and further shorten that time without compromising our integrity. This will also translate into more efficient management of your terminal space,” he said.

Miko assured stakeholders of an open-door and inclusive leadership approach, stressing that sustained dialogue and collaboration would be central to achieving the Command’s objectives.

“I am here to listen. Your insights, expertise, and perspectives are vital to our success. I look forward to engaging with you to align our efforts for mutual growth. Whatever we have achieved together in the past can, and will be, surpassed,” he added.

The Acting Area Controller also used the visit to engage heads of sister security agencies as well as representatives of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), reaffirming the Command’s commitment to stakeholder-driven reforms.

Responding on behalf of the terminal operators, General Manager of PTML, Tunde Keshinro, pledged continued support for the Nigeria Customs Service, expressing confidence in Miko’s leadership and commitment to operational excellence.

Keshinro noted that the Customs boss had consistently demonstrated support for the business operations of Grimaldi and PTML, adding that stronger cooperation between Customs and terminal operators would help address operational challenges and sustain efficiency gains at the port.

“You have been a positive influence on the business fortunes of Grimaldi as a group. In whatever way, you have been supportive of everything we have done, and on that note, I am quite positive that whatever the challenge, if we have a good understanding, we can cross the grey areas,” he said.

The engagement underscores ongoing efforts by the PTML Command to strengthen stakeholder relations, consolidate trade facilitation achievements, improve cargo delivery timelines, and surpass existing revenue targets in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernization agenda.