The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has begun sensitisation on Cargo Clearance Automation to deliver an efficient, transparent and technology-driven process in their operations.
The launch, which took place at the Customs Area II Command, Zone C, Onne in Rivers State, southern Nigeria, marks a turning point in the nation’s economy.
Addressing the stakeholders, the Customs Area Controller PH Area 11 Command One, Aliyu Alkali said that for years, the challenges of congestion, manual paperwork, bottlenecks, abundant cargo, and lengthy clearance process had weighed down trade facilitation and slowed economic activity.
“With the automated overtime cargo clearance and disposal system, we are demonstrating that Customs can be both a facilitator of trade and a guarantor of integrity,” Alkali said.
Mr. Alkali outlined the importance of the new system to include series of transformative reforms
” Enhanced Transparency. Every action in this process is time-stamped tracked and recorded. Simple process. Stakeholders can now apply, track, and receive approvals online without unnecessary physical contact.
” Accountability of the process: Officers and stakeholders alike are bound by clear rules and strict timelines.
” Efficiency of the system: Terminal space will be freed faster, consignments will move smoothly, and litigation over disposal will be reduced.
“Data integrity. All documents, from application to disposal records, are fully automated and integrated with the Customs Service,” he explained.
Mr. Alkali noted that the reform is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which provides the legal framework for electronic process, overtime cargo timelines, and disposal methods.
He said; “As you are aware, the Act empowers the service to handle overtime consignment after 120 days, with provisions for condemnation, auction, or other disposal methods. This system simply gives life to those legal provisions, with clarity, fairness, and speed.
“The new platform allows you to manage your consignment from your office, or even your mobile phone. It removes the burden of endless letters, visits, and waiting times, while giving you real-time visibility over your application status.”
Mr. Alkali urged all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the process, train their teams to use the e-platform effectively, and engage constructively with Customs officers to ensure quick resolution of issues.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, represented by the Special Duties Officer at the Headquarters, Hadiel Hadison, charged stakeholders to pay close attention to the sensitisation exercise, noting that it was part of the Service’s renewed drive to improve its approach.
“As stakeholders, it is important that you acquire this knowledge so that, together, we can move forward,” he said.
He encouraged collaboration, synergy, and team spirit, stressing that such efforts would add value to the nation’s economy.
Olusola Akintonde