February 13, 2025

Maritime Today Online

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PTML terminal secures approval for pharmaceutical imports as command targets one-hour vehicle clearance

The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC) have jointly granted approval to the Port & Terminal Multiservices Limited ( PTML) to import pharmaceutical products into the country and clear them through the command.

Prior to the approval, PTML is known majorly for importing vehicles from cars to heavy equipment including tractors, bulldozoders and excavators.

Disclosing this on Monday during a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Customs Day, Customs Area Controller of PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan said the approval was granted due to the efficiency and security of the port.

His words, “Customs granted PTML terminal the status of treating pharmaceutical products here
because of its efficiency and security. Just like you have in Apapa port you can bring in pharmaceutical from any where in the world and clear them here. Before NAFDAC will agree to that is like camel passing through the eye of the needle but today that approval has been granted.”

PTML terminal secures approval for pharmaceutical imports as command targets one-hour vehicle clearance
Comptroller Daniyan ( middle) and newly promoted officers of the command.

Comptroller Daniyan said the command is also pushing and working towards one -hour clearance of imported vehicles following the successful implementation of two- hour cargo.clearance.

He assured that importers can enjoy the best experience at the command and get their consignment cleared within one-hour provided they are are honest in their declaration and ensure fulll compliance to trade regulations.

“For 2025, we shall improve on the celebrated two hours cargo clearance time and ensure port users get the best of customs experience anytime they come to PTML.

“We can reduce it one-hour. but it depends on the compliant of the agent because integrity is what is paramount. If an agents declare correctly what’s he’s bringing in nobody will trouble you. ”

“Like the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program there are people that have been selected based on some parameters that they are compliant over the years. So in all, if you don’t have any problem, you can actually get your roro vehicles within one- hour, ” he said.

PTML terminal secures approval for pharmaceutical imports as command targets one-hour vehicle clearance

Comptroller Daniyan while reiterating the command’s commitment to facilitation of legitimate trade urged agents and importers to support PTML and the Grimaldi group to sustain their new status especially with the commencement of shipping services from Shanghai in China to Lagos.

“Let us give the support that PTML and Grimaldi needs so that the new ambition is not destroyed. All hands must be on deck to trade facilitation because that’s the only way customers will continue to use the port. If the port start having challenges, the narrative will change to negative. I am also committing my officers that what we need to do to facilitate the trade will be done.

“Any agent or importer that decide to bring in illicit drugs, it will be detected. We are not going to stop people to bring in their consignment because they are drugs, PTML have been permitted to treat pharmaceutical products here, but if the importer now decides to bring in what is not permitted then your consignment will be seized. So the integrity still lies with the importer. Once there is an infraction, you don’t enjoy the trade facilitation tools again because that will mean the agent is is deceitful and not compliant, “he said.

The Customs boss also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support, assuring that the command will continue to prioritise stakeholders engagement to build on past successes.

“IOur commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity is without compromise.

“I want to use this medium to thank all stakeholders for their support and understanding at all times in our efforts to contribute to the growth of our great country.

“We would continue to ensure maximum collection of government revenue without compromising national security while supporting the facilitation of legitimate trade.

“Today’s celebration , which is a global event, should serve as a reminder to our oaths of patriotism to our nation as embedded in our national anthem and pledge.

“I want to specifically remind us of the need to jointly work for the success of the B’Odogwu programme which is being piloted here while thanking you for your support in overcoming the teething challenges.

“Our dispute resolution desks and all trade facilitation structures are active. Don’t forget that as CAC, I run an open door policy. Feel free at all times to reach out to me on any matter requiring my input” he said.

The theme for the 2025 International Customs Day is Customs Delivering on its commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.

 

 

 

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