By ANDREW UTULU
The newly deployed Acting Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multiservices( PTML) Command, DC Nura Ibrahim Miko has formally resumed with a promise to operate with integrity and following due process while ensuring seamless trade facilitation.
He took over from outgoing Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, who disclosed that the command had collected over N178 billion revenue as at the time of handing over.
Deputy Comptroller (DC) Nura Ibrahim Miko, Acting Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multiservices (PTML) Command(right) and Comptroller Joe Anani, immediate past Controller of the Command during the handing over exercise in Lagos.
Specifically assuring officers and men of PTML Command and stakeholders, Acting Controller Miko said “I want you to know this: I am here to work with you, not merely to lead you.
Under my watch, integrity will be non-negotiable; trade facilitation will remain our priority. Due process will be strictly respected; teamwork will be our greatest strength. Results will be achieved through collaboration, not fear. Together, we will take this command to greater heights.”
Miko who stated this after taking over from Comptroller Anani, described the area as a well organised Command, while promising to build on the achievements of his immediate predecessor.
Deputy Comptroller (DC) Nura Ibrahim Miko, Acting Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multiservices (PTML) Command(right) and Comptroller Joe Anani, immediate past Controller of the Command during the handing over exercise in Lagos.
He also sought continued cooperation and collaboration of all sister agencies and stakeholders operating within the Command.
He stated further that effective port operations depend on inter-agency synergy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.
According to him, the Command will remain open to constructive engagement, confirming his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and a level playing field for all.
He added that together the Command’s stakeholders would sustain PTML’s position as a model command for efficiency and integrity.
While thanking the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence and trust reposed in him, the Acting Controller said the nation’s number one customs officer’s policy thrust of Innovation, Consolidation, and Collaboration would be upheld as they jointly write the next chapter of the PTML Area Command.
Comptroller Anani who has been deployed to Tin Can Island Command, described his eight months service period at PTML as an extraordinary privilege to serve as the Area Controller.
He recalled the success of his predecessor who pioneered the roll out of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu and started the process of addressing its initial challenges and how he (Anani) consolidated it to success.
“When I first walked into this role, I carried a clear mandate: to steer this command through its modernisation transition stage to a more stable state.
“After my predecessor saw to the successful roll out of B’Odogwu and was addressing the teething challenges associated with such an innovative system, I came and with the support of my fellow officers, sister agencies and stakeholders, we took it to the next level. This could not have been possible without the support of all of you” Comptroller Anani said.
Anani added that, “On the enforcement side of our operations, we succeeded in seizing and handing over illicit drugs, arms and ammunition to the relevant government agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW)domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) .
“Under my watch, we launched groundbreaking initiatives by achieving one hour clearance of compliant vehicle imports, and most importantly, built a culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to do more in terms of compliance. None of these would have been possible without the dedication, creativity, and resilience of each and every one of you,” the outgoing Controller enthused.
