By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command now has a new leadership, as Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko formally assumed office with a strong commitment to enhance integrity, due process, and efficient trade facilitation at the Port. The new leadership at PTML Command comes following the deployment of the former Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani toTin Can Island Port Command after taking PTML Command to an all time impressive revenue collections exceeding ₦181 billion and spearheading key operational reforms at the command.Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko who officially took over leadership of the strategic command from Comptroller Joseph Anani promised a renewed drive to enhance integrity and seamless facilitation of trade .Speaking to officers, stakeholders, and sister agencies shortly after assuming office, Acting Controller Miko assured that his administration will encourage teamwork and professionalism.“I am here to work with you, not merely to lead you,” Miko declared. “Under my watch, integrity will be non-negotiable, trade facilitation will remain our priority, due process will be strictly respected, and teamwork will remain our greatest strength.”
The Acting Controller described PTML as a highly organised command with a strong operational structure, promising to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor while driving greater efficiency in service delivery.Deputy Comptr. Miko called the cooperation and partnership with all stakeholders operating within the port. He further stated that effective port management can only thrive through collaboration among Customs, government agencies, freight forwarders, and terminal operators.“Effective port operations depend on inter-agency synergy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security,” he said, DC Miko assured all stakeholders of transparency, accessibility, and a level playing field.He also pledged unweaving commitment to the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in line with the statutory pillars of Innovation, Consolidation, and Collaboration, which continue to shape reforms across NSC. The out going Controller,, Comptr. Joseph Anani,the time at the handover to reflect on what he described as an “extraordinary privilege” of serving at PTML during the eight months as Controller He stated that the command generated over ₦181 billion in revenue within the period, reinforcing PTML’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s maritime trade and revenue architecture.
He further highlighted the command’s successful consolidation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu, a digital platform introduced to modernise Customs processes and improve operational efficiency.The Comptr also pointed out that his predecessor laid the foundation by rolling out the platform and addressing its early challenges, his administration focused on stabilising and strengthening the system for improved performance.“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,” Anani stated.“With the support of officers, sister agencies, and stakeholders, we successfully took the B’Odogwu initiative to the next level.”The outgoing Controller also highlighted the command’s enforcement successes, including the interception and handover of illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition to relevant agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
One of the most celebrated innovations during his tenure, he noted, was the introduction of a one-hour clearance process for compliant vehicle imports, a move widely praised by stakeholders for reducing delays and boosting trade efficiency.Comptr Joe Anani credited the achievements to the dedication and resilience of officers and stakeholders who embraced reforms and compliance-driven operations.“Most importantly, we built a culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to do more in terms of compliance,” he stated Following the change of batton at PTML Command , , Stakeholders expectations remain high that the new leadership under DC Nura Muko will sustain the command’s reputation as one of the country’s leading model commands in efficiency, transparency, and revenue performance.
