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PTML CUSTOMS LAUNCHES ECTS SENSITISATION AS NCS ROLLS OUT NATIONWIDE CARGO TRACKING
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced stakeholder engagement at PTML Area Command ahead of the rollout of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, as part of efforts to modernise cargo movement and improve revenue collection.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of PTML, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, disclosed this on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, during a sensitisation workshop held at the PTML Conference Hall.
According to Miko, PTML was picked as the second pilot command for the nationwide deployment of ECTS after the successful take-off at Apapa. He said the choice reflects PTML’s strategic position in trade facilitation and its contribution to national revenue.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which is focused on building a transparent, technology-driven and globally competitive Customs Service.
Miko noted that the traditional method of moving cargo under transire to bonded terminals, other Customs formations and Free Trade Zones has relied heavily on physical escort by officers. With trade volumes rising, he said the manual system has become inefficient, causing delays and stretching personnel.
Under the new system, he said, cargo will be monitored in real time from point of exit to final destination using GPS technology. The platform will also trigger immediate alerts where there is route deviation or tampering with seals.
He added that ECTS is expected to improve deployment of manpower, strengthen revenue assurance, and reduce leakages by giving Customs continuous visibility over consignments in transit.
For the trading community, Miko said the benefits include faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, lower cost of doing business and greater transparency in the movement of goods.
“This workshop is designed to familiarise stakeholders with the procedures, responsibilities, and expectations under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System,” Miko stated. “I encourage everyone to support this initiative to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.”
The workshop had in attendance Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, terminal operators and other private sector players in the PTML corridor.
Participants at the session commended the Customs management for pushing the digital transformation agenda, saying the introduction of ECTS would address long-standing inefficiencies in cargo tracking and supervision.
They pledged to cooperate with the Command to ensure the pilot phase runs successfully and delivers the intended benefits to trade and government revenue.
