By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigeria Customs Service, Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited Area Command, has selected the command as the second pilot site for the nationwide rollout of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, following successful implementation at the Apapa Area Command.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday, 28 July, 2026 during a sensitisation workshop held at the command’s conference hall, where the Customs Area Controller, Nura Miko, a Deputy Controller of Customs, explained the development to stakeholders. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement.
Miko said the selection reflected PTML’s strategic importance in national revenue generation and trade facilitation, noting that the deployment formed part of the ongoing reform and modernisation agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at building a technology-driven, transparent, efficient and globally competitive customs service.
According to him, cargo moving under transire to bonded terminals, between commands, or to Free Trade Zones had for years relied on physical escort by officers. He explained that rising trade volumes had rendered this approach unsustainable, leading to delays, potential vulnerabilities and significant manpower strain.
Miko stressed that the new system would address these challenges and deliver multiple benefits, noting that it would offer real-time cargo monitoring via GPS from the point of departure to the final destination, providing full visibility and control.
He added that it would also support the elimination of diversion and leakage, with instant alerts triggered by route deviation, seal tampering or unauthorised stops.
He pointed out that the system would optimise manpower deployment by freeing officers from escort duties to focus on other core customs functions, while enhancing revenue assurance through accurate data on cargo movement and full accountability for all movements.
Additional benefits, he said, included strengthened risk management and compliance, supported by data for intelligence gathering and trader profiling.
On the benefits to stakeholders, Miko said they would enjoy faster clearance and delivery with no waiting time for escort teams, which would reduce the cost of doing business through lower demurrage, fewer delays and more predictable transit times.
He added that there would be greater transparency and security, as consignments would remain tracked and secured throughout their journey under customs control.
He explained that the workshop was convened to engage stakeholders on the procedures, responsibilities and expectations under the new tracking regime, urging participants to embrace the change, ask questions and work with the command to ensure a seamless takeoff.
On behalf of the officers and men of the PTML Area Command, Miko expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS management team for their commitment to the digitalisation of customs processes, as well as to stakeholders for their continued partnership.
Participants at the workshop included customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarding practitioners, terminal operators and other private sector stakeholders who interface with the Nigeria Customs Service
