…Promises to Crush Smuggling, Speed Up Cargo Clearance, and Keep PTML as Nigeria’s Model Port
BY GODWIN OBI
It was jubilation on steroids at the Ports and Terminal Multi-Purpose Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday, September 12, 2025, as history was made in a leadership transition like no other.
The atmosphere was electrifying. From the early morning send-forth bash of outgoing Area Controller, now elevated Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Tenny Mankani Daniyan, to the thunderous homecoming welcome of his successor, Comptroller Joe Anani, the command was literally set on fire with excitement.
Observers said they had never seen anything like it. The entire PTML premises was jam-packed—officers, freight forwarders, clearing agents, industry leaders, even veterans—jostling for space just to witness the historic baton change.
Two Celebrations, One Command
The day played out like a blockbuster double feature:
Act One: ACG Daniyan’s farewell, where he was showered with tributes for transforming PTML into a model port and pioneering the B’Odogwu Customs Management System—a game-changer now spreading nationwide.
Act Two: Comptroller Anani’s dramatic takeover, marked by chants, cheers, and expectations sky-high.
Big Guns in Attendance
The crowd wasn’t just large; it was powerful. Notable dignitaries included:
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, CAC TinCan Island.
Deputy Comptroller NI Miko, leading a massive Apapa delegation.
Retired Comptroller Ogunojemite, welcomed like royalty.
Freight forwarding giants, trade association leaders, and customs top brass turned PTML into a carnival ground.
Anani’s Bold Promises Rock the Crowd
When Comptroller Anani grabbed the microphone, the hall erupted in cheers.
He didn’t waste time:
“I am not here to do it alone. PTML’s success must be collective. Together, we will keep this command a shining model for the world—fast, secure, and efficient.”
The ovation got even louder when he vowed to smash PTML’s record of two-hour cargo clearance for compliant consignments, promising to bring it down even further.
“With proper compliance, clearance can take LESS than two hours!” he thundered, drawing whistles and applause.
On smuggling, he came down like a hammer:
“Let me be crystal clear—under my watch, smugglers have NO hiding place. The CGC’s zero tolerance policy will be enforced ruthlessly at PTML.”
“My Office Has No Door”
In a move that stunned the crowd, Anani declared himself the most accessible CAC ever.
“My office has no door. I’m open to everyone—physically, virtually, anytime. Bring me your ideas, your concerns, your information. Together, we succeed.”
The line instantly made him a darling of freight forwarders, many of whom had long complained about bottlenecks in accessing senior customs officers.
Daniyan Bows Out Like a Hero
Earlier, outgoing ACG Daniyan left the stage as a conquering general.
He recalled how God and CGC Bashir Adeniyi shaped his career path, culminating in PTML where he pioneered the B’Odogwu system.
“I leave PTML proud, knowing that this command became the launchpad for innovations that will forever redefine customs operations in Nigeria,” he declared to loud cheers.
Stakeholders were not shy in their praises:
Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, APFFLON President, said Daniyan’s “records speak volumes of success.”
Chief Charles Nwarrienne, ANLCA PTML boss, joked that Daniyan deserved a “Certificate of Project Completion” for successfully piloting B’Odogwu.
PTML: The Command That Sets the Pace
For years, PTML has been the crown jewel of RoRo operations, setting records in revenue collection, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation. With Daniyan now elevated to the NCS top brass and Anani stepping in with bold promises, stakeholders say the command is about to enter its golden era.
A Night to Remember
As the celebrations wound down, one thing was clear: PTML had witnessed the most sensational leadership transition in its history.
The crowd’s chants still echoed into the night: 👉 “Daniyan! Legacy!” 👉 “Anani! Forward ever!”
With Daniyan’s legacy firmly planted and Anani’s fiery start, PTML is bracing for a future of faster cargo clearance, stronger compliance, and a ruthless crackdown on smuggling.
