The Area Controller, Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf has reiterated the command’s readiness to facilitate the easy release of vehicles and containers won by bidders in the ongoing electronic auction process of overtime cargoes.
Comptroller Yusuf who described the process of auctioning through the online portal as very seamless added the system is very robust and under-utilised as it is efficient enough to accommodate more entries online.
He said a total of 190 vehicles have been won by bidders from various parts of the country and the winners have been taking delivery of their vehicles.
Speaking on the safety of vehicles in PTML, the CAC said operators of the terminal place a high priority on security and that winners are assured of getting their vehicles the exact way they were imported into the country as there are zero incidences of vandalism and theft in the terminal.
He said, “PTML Command is prepared and everything has been put in place to serve beneficiaries who bidded and won. Once there is a winner in this auction procedure, our officers are ready and it is a seamless process where there is no delay in line with our working procedure
“Winners are expected to present their document and after paying the required amount, the officers go through to confirm that you are the beneficiary or the winner of that bid, then you will go to the terminal operator and pick up your vehicle.
“Like we have been saying all through the time, PTML is one of the safest places cargo can be kept. From my experiences here, it is not just a terminal, it is a model port and the security is very tight. For you to access the port, you must be verified. It is not just a port where you walk in and walk out. As far as I am concerned. They are very serious in terms of the security situation here. You need to present why you are here and you need to have business with them before you can be allowed in. Most of the cargoes within the port are highly and heavily guarded.
“From my inspection of the port facilities, it is one of the best we can get in the country. Cargoes within the premises are very secure. We’ve not had cases of vandalism as far as I am concerned. None has been reported. I believe whoever wins the bid will get his vehicle exactly as it came into the country. I don’t think we have any bad report in terms of vandalism,” he said.