The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected N189.35 billion in 2020.

The command also said it processed 151,938 metric tons of export cargoes with Free on Board value of N117.3bn. It promises to do more with the commencement of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, yesterday, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Festus Okun, said the N189bn revenue was N30bn higher than the N159bn collected in 2019, representing a 19 per cent increase.

He added that about 80 per cent of cargoes processed at the PTML port were vehicles while other cargo types accounted for 20 per cent.

“For us as a command, the year 2020 was a successful year considering our accomplishments in the discharge of our service’s core mandates of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, anti-smuggling activities and national security.

“This was in spite of the challenges faced during the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide economic meltdown,” he stated.

During the year under review, the command made its first seizure in about six years. The seizure consisted of 6X20 feet containers of Idole lightening soap and lotion with a duty paid value of N287 million.

The controller added that compliant importers and agents could clear their vehicles from PTML within five hours while containers could be exited within eight hours as confirmed by a time-release study.