By: Joy Enamuna

“The Management, bonded terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and haulage operators, l will Operate open-door policy to sustain and improve on the trade facilitation template”.

These and many more where the words of Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf while taking over as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, following the statutory retirement of Comptroller Ali Mahmud Ibrahim.

According Comptroller Yusuf while delivering his speech, assured officers and stakeholders of his commitment to due diligence and called for their cooperation.

Acknowledging the accomplishments of his predecessor, Comptroller Yusuf commended Comptroller Ali Ibrahim for establishing mechanisms that led to increased revenue collection, trade facilitation, and strict enforcement.

He urged all port users operating in PTML to embrace compliance as a lifestyle, emphasizing that it saves clearance time, enhances revenue collection, and improves the integrity rating of traders.

“Compliance also opens the possibility for fast-track benefits and potential migration to the status of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO),” he noted.

The new CAC highlighted that voluntary compliance creates a win-win situation for everyone involved, preventing losses resulting from seizures, demand notices, and penalties incurred during enforcement.

Comptroller Yusuf further emphasized the command’s commitment to rigorously implement all government policies, including those promoting ease of doing business while safeguarding national security and government revenue.

Rolling out a short biography of Comptroller Yusuf in which he has served in various capacities within the Nigeria Customs Service over the past three decades, garnering extensive experience in anti-smuggling efforts, revenue collection, trade facilitation, and prevention of money laundering.

His previous postings included: Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) Command, Cross River/Akwa Ibom Command, Sokoto Command, Tin-can Island Port Command, Apapa Area Command, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Tariff and Trade Department, and D/C Valuation PTML Command. He also served at the Area ll Onne Command and the Human Resources Department of the NCS Headquarters.

Comptroller Yusuf, originally from Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in History from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, and a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) from the University of Lagos. Throughout his career, he has not only excelled in his duties but has also mentored and empowered younger colleagues, fostering their professional growth and contributing to overall

Yusuf enjoys reading and boxing, further highlighting his commitment to personal development and physical fitness.

With the assumption of Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, PTML Command is poised to maintain its strong focus on compliance, trade facilitation, and revenue optimization, ensuring efficient operations while upholding national security and economic growth.