The Customs Public
Relations Officer, PTML Command, Tin-Can Island, Mr. Steve Okonma, said the command was prepared to expose any importer who brought in prohibited goods.
Okonmah told our correspondent in Lagos yesterday that the command would ensure that importers complied with the Federal Government’s policy on imported goods.
According to him, the Controller of the Command, Mr Tajudeen Olarewaju, will welcome only genuine importers who will be promptly attended to by officers of the command.
“But for importers who always bring in unauthorised goods that undermine the security of this nation, wherever they are hiding, they must be smoked out,’’ he said.
Okonma said that despite the lull in trade, the command generated over N50 billion in the first nine months of 2013 through its revenue drive.
He did not disclose the amount generated in 2012, but said that the figure was lower than that of 2013.
“There is a lull in trade. If we compare this period to last year, our revenue has gone up in spite of the fact that the Maersk Line Shipping is no longer in operation at the PTML,’’ Okonma said.
He said that the command generated N6.5 billion revenue in September.
Okonma also said that the command made remarkable seizures during the nine months under review, including arms and ammunition.
He said that the command worked harder to increase its revenue and enhanced relationship with other stakeholders at the ports.
“We hold regular meetings with other stakeholders for business to move forward at the ports. Business activities at the PTML have been peaceful.
“We tackle issues together. There is no congestion. Terminal operators have handling facilities, neat environment and effective control system,’’ he said.
Okonma said it was, however, regrettable that some importers were bringing in arms and ammunition.
The public relations officer gave an assurance that officers of the command would thoroughly scrutinise all imported goods.