Ships Traffic  at the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Apapa,  Lagos is at a very low ebb as a visit by our correspondent reveals that customs officers at the port have for some time now been expressing  worry over the issue.

The worry we gathered is necessitated by the failure of  the new customs helmsman at the Command  to compromise fraudulent business act with some top importers and their agents.

It was also learnt that fraudulent importers for fear of being apprehended or subjected to rigorous checks by men and officers of the  new generation customs, have chosen to dump PTML for other ports in Nigeria and Cotonou where they can easily have their way.

Officers of the PTML command interviewed on the dwindling fortune of the customs area, told our correspondent in an exclusive chat, that only few genuine importers and reputed businessmen are still transacting business through PTML Port.

They added that PTML customs personnel are at alert and do not compromise dirty business like some other commands where  fraudulent importers have moved their base to, adding “go out yourself and investigate, you will find out that importers and their agents like where they can easily defraud the federal government for selfish interests’ and where business is easily carried out with ease.

They further explained that the management team under the leadership of comptroller Aremu T.O was better motivated to work than ever.

“ Importer or agents trying to attempt  illegal business will have themselves to blame with the new zeal; and vigour with which we are working”.

A recent visit by The Tide to PTML can  revealed that customs officers, ports police and other security agencies were attending to the little quantity of containers and vehicles that the few vessels that  discharged in the various berths.

Speaking to our correspondent on the development, some officers and licenced customs agents, who asked for anonymity, said the situation is saddening.

“We want the CAC to see into this problem. We want to work”, they said in sadness.

Meanwhile, available records provided by the Nigeria Ports Authority confirmed that in February 2012, the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Limited handled a total of 3, 300 units of used vehicles at the Tincan Island Port.

The  records also revealed that, Grande Congo, Rep di, Roma, Grande Nigeria and Grande Morooco, all arrived in PTML in February with used vehicles, while MV Spagna arrived at the Terminal last month with 300 units of used vehicle.

It would be recalled that the Nigerians Organised Private Sector (OPS) had always alleged that Benin Republic ports were used as transit points for goods that are banned in the country such as furniture, textiles and second hand shoes and bags imported from Asian and European countries which eventually find their way into the country through the border posts.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos