By Our Correspondent
Lagos, March 10, ’25 (TNZ) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A has begun engaging officers and stakeholders in sensitising them on its new automated transire process (ATP).
TheNewsZenith reports that this is in a bid to ensure smooth and seamless cargo transit operations.
The engagement took place at the Apapa Customs Command in Lagos. It will reduce cargo clearance time, minimise opportunities for human contact and corruption, enhance automation across the Customs operations.
TheNewsZenith learnt that NCS will introduce the innovative ATP before the end of this month.
It is in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The directive is to achieve full automation by the first quarter 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, the CG, represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Charles Orbih, emphasized the transformative nature of the new system and tipped the new process to enhance trade efficiency.
The engagement was in two sessions for the Customs officers, terminal operators, bonded terminal operators, freight forwarders and barge operators.
Orbih described the ATP as more than just a technological upgrade. He explained that it is a strategic shift, designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of global trade efficiency.
According to him, the system will revolutionise customs operations. It will reduce the time and complexity involved in cargo clearance, minimizing the risk of cargo diversion. It will also improve overall supply chain efficiency.
He highlighted key objectives of the initiative, which include significantly speeding up customs clearance. It will in turn reduce bottlenecks, shorten clearance times, and provide faster access to goods.
“The system will bring greater transparency and accountability by eliminating manual processes and ensuring that every shipment is monitored from departure to arrival.
Read Related News:
- NCS fosters strategic partnerships for seamless trade operations
- Marine Customs intercepts 2,000kg cannabis in Lagos
- Customs intercept 142 wraps of cannabis at MMIA
- Customs transfer 3,897 riffles, cartridges to arm centre
- Customs Zone “A” decorates 39 comptrollers, 67 dep.-comptrollers
“This, in turn, will limit opportunities for corruption and errors while fostering trust between Customs and its trade partners,” TheNewsZenith quotes Orbih as saying.
He further explained that aligning with international best practices through automation would enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a global trade destination.
The Zonal Coordinator further reiterated that the success of the ATP system would depend on the collective efforts and cooperation of Customs officers, logistics operators, and other stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.
Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of ICT, Mr Z. M. Gaji, described ATP as a game-changer for customs operations in Nigeria.
Gaji noted that the training was structured into two sessions: one for desk officers who would be directly managing the system and another for stakeholders to familiarize them with the new process.
He said the Customs ICT officers developed the new system in-house, rather than external service providers.
This is to ensure that it is tailored to Nigeria’s specific trade environment.
Gaji listed the major benefits of automation to include reduction in clearance times, enhanced transparency in customs procedures, improved revenue collection through better monitoring and minimised opportunities for corruption.
He noted that before full deployment, NCS would adopt a phased approach, including extensive stakeholder engagement, a user acceptance test (UAT) and a pilot rollout at selected locations.
Gaji stressed the importance of these steps in refining the system and ensuring it meets operational realities and industry needs. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline.com
