PTML Customs Identifies Efficient Declarations as Key to Faster Clearance
By Abass Quadri
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), in charge of the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Area Command, has emphasised that efficient and accurate declarations by traders are now the cornerstone of faster cargo clearance, enabled through the indigenous B’Odogwu system.
Comptroller Daniyan made this known on Thursday, 22 May 2025, during a 56-member delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visit.
The ECOWAS team was at PTML command to observe firsthand the operations of the B’Odogwu system and explore its potential for regional adaptation.
Comptroller Daniyan explained that the Command’s implementation of the indigenous B’Odogwu system has shifted focus from internal delays to the responsibility of importers to submit truthful and timely declarations.
“In this Command, our system is the benchmark for the swift clearance process. If you are a compliant trader, it is certain that in under 2 hours, you can get your consignment out of the terminal. Delay is not from us again, it now depends on your declaration integrity”, he said.
The CAC highlighted the system’s success, noting that the Command has recorded zero trade delays since its introduction and generated over N230 billion in revenue from November 2024 to May 2025. “On our previous platform, we had challenges, but our stakeholders kept their faith in us, which has led to this positive result.”
“I also want to appreciate the CGC for establishing a legacy system that we have the audacity to roll out in 34 Commands. If the project had not been successful, we wouldn’t have our people currently available to address all its issues”, he added.
The leader of the ECOWAS team, Kolawole Sofola, praised Nigeria’s innovative approach to customs management, saying, “Nigeria has evolved with time. They moved from a system to the current homegrown one, which is commendable.”
“For me, the NCS has been excellent based on what we have seen from today’s demonstration. I am certain Customs is in good hands.” He added.
The visit also included an interactive session following a paper presentation on the Indigenous Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) by the B’Odogwu Project Manager (BPM) Assistant, Comptroller Oladepo Abass.
