The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to uphold a strict zero-tolerance stance against smuggling activities while advancing reforms that will boost trade facilitation, cargo clearance efficiency, and compliance-driven operations at the busy Lagos port.
Anani, who officially assumed duty at PTML over the weekend, took over from Assistant Comptroller-General Tenny Daniyan, following the latest round of promotions and redeployments by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board at its 63rd regular meeting.
Daniyan and 11 other senior officers were elevated to the rank of ACG in recognition of their service.
During his maiden address, Anani made it clear that his administration would not compromise on regulatory compliance, describing it as the backbone of modern port operations and international trade competitiveness.
Highlighting the centrality of compliance, Anani noted that PTML already maintains an impressive record of releasing compliant Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) consignments within two hours.
He expressed confidence that further improvement in compliance levels could reduce clearance times even more, ultimately making Nigerian ports more competitive within the global logistics chain.
“The keyword here is compliance,” Anani declared. “With greater adherence to regulations, efficient systems, and mutual trust, clearance can happen in less than two hours.
Compliance guarantees a win-win situation. It saves time, reduces costs, fosters predictability, and strengthens partnerships across the trade ecosystem.
Non-compliance, however, creates unnecessary bottlenecks such as seizures, detentions, demand notices, and even arrests.”
According to him, encouraging importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and licensed agents to comply willingly with rules and procedures remains a major strategy to minimize risks while boosting efficiency at PTML.
Anani assured stakeholders that he intends to consolidate the legacy of his predecessor, particularly the strides made in deploying the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.
The platform, which Daniyan piloted at PTML, has now been expanded across multiple commands, marking a milestone in customs automation.
“I commend my predecessor for his leadership and innovative spirit in piloting B’Odogwu. I am not here to work alone.
Success in this command will remain a collective effort. I call on customs officers, sister agencies, private stakeholders, and the media to join hands with us in sustaining PTML as a model port of excellence,” he said.
The CAC also promised to keep his administration open and accessible, encouraging stakeholders to reach out physically or virtually with ideas and feedback.
He stressed that transparency and collaboration are essential for consolidating PTML’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most efficient port commands.
Zero Tolerance for Smuggling
Beyond trade facilitation, Anani reiterated his determination to enforce the Comptroller-General of Customs’ zero-tolerance policy on smuggling, which continues to undermine Nigeria’s economy and national security.
He emphasized that the Service is committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders from the influx of prohibited goods, stressing that his administration at PTML will work in synergy with other commands and security agencies to prevent smuggling through both seaports and land borders.
Anani also pledged to advance the Time Release Study (TRS) initiative, which aligns with the World Customs Organization’s standard for measuring clearance times and improving efficiency.
The study, he explained, will guide reforms targeted at reducing delays and increasing transparency.
Stakeholders at the handover ceremony paid glowing tributes to ACG Daniyan, whose tenure at PTML was marked by significant reforms and achievements.
President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Frank Ogunojemite, praised Daniyan as a leader whose record of service speaks for itself.
“We believe he will take the same zeal and passion into his new role at the NCS management team,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), PTML Chapter, Charles Nwarrienne, applauded Daniyan for his role in piloting the B’Odogwu automation project to full consolidation.
He described the outgoing CAC as “an excellent officer who deserves a certificate of project completion.”
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Anani reassured stakeholders that his leadership would consolidate PTML’s standing as a benchmark for excellence in trade facilitation, security, and compliance.
He emphasized that a compliance-driven culture would not only improve Nigeria’s revenue base but also enhance the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
“Compliance-driven operations will deepen trust among stakeholders, improve transparency, and reinforce our collective goal of positioning Nigeria as a reliable trading hub in Africa,” Anani said.
With his assumption of office, industry watchers and port users are optimistic about a new era of strengthened collaboration, seamless cargo clearance, and sustained efforts to combat smuggling under Anani’s leadership.
As PTML continues to serve as one of Nigeria’s busiest gateways for imported vehicles and containerized cargo, the coming months will test the new controller’s ability to balance enforcement with facilitation.
For many stakeholders, however, his firm stance on compliance and smuggling leaves no doubt about his determination to deliver results.
