The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has lauded the Management of the Ports and Terminals Multiservices Limited (PTML) for diversifying from vehicles importation to general cargo handling.
The PTML had in an apparent move to boost its revenue drive, converted its terminal from RORO to general cargo terminal, a move that has been commended by the customs in the terminal.
The Customs Area Controller, PTML Area Command, Comptroller, Ronke Olubiyi gave the commendation last week when members of the Maritime Correspondent Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid the command a working visit in Lagos.
Mrs. Olubiyi lamented that there has been a drop in the importation of vehicles at the PTML terminal, which in turn has affected revenue collection of the command but added that with the move by the concessionaire to open up the RORO terminal for other forms of imports , the command would still be able to collect huge revenue for the government, despite all odds.
As a RORO terminal, she noted that the terminal was known for vehicles import and that at a recent meeting with concessionaire; it had already commenced general cargo handling which according to her was a welcomed development.
The PTML customs boss however reiterated that the terminal cannot rely on the vehicle handling for it to make progress adding the customs equally needs to collect revenue for the government.
“The importation level has gone down no doubt but we are making do with the little we have and to make sure we collect the maximum revenue. We all have our target and that is worrisome because of the low level of importation but whatever it is, we have a meeting with the terminal operator and they are looking at other avenue aside vehicle importation.
“They want to diversify because PTML is known for vehicle handling but we cannot rely on such item alone because that can kind of luxury is not what can be imported by everybody. But people must wear and use luxury goods which is importation and it is really lacking here because vehicle import here is not in large number but what PTML terminal is doing now is to diversify and get more vessels that are containerized.
“If we can get that then definitely that will shoot up our revenue but for now we are trying to see what we can do at least to generate the maximum revenue because that is the main thing that can recommend us to have surpass the revenue”.
Comptroller Ronke Olubiyi further stated, “The major work ahead of us is quite challenging but we are equally to the task. That is revenue collection and accounting for same, it’s been tough because the oil revenue is dwindling right now and the focus is on customs”.
The command however collected N4,734,560,866 as revenue for the month of January 2016.
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