By Babatunde Aremu
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Bashir Adeniyi, has announced that the NCS Modernisation Project, a Public-Private Partnership initiative, is expected to generate over $176 billion in revenue for the Federal Government of Nigeria within a 20-year concession period.
Speaking through the Comptroller of Tin Can Island Port, Mr Dera Nnadi, during the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) conference in Lagos, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the project’s objective of fully automating Customs operations and integrating various stakeholders in the trade ecosystem, including port authorities, shipping companies, and government agencies.
Presenting a paper titled “Strategic Importance of Digital Infrastructure in Import Duty Collection and Accountability,” Adeniyi outlined the key features of the e-Customs Modernisation Project.
The project will implement several cutting-edge systems such as e-clearance, e-Port System, e-Risk Control Centre (RCC), Logistics Management Systems (LMS), Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), Intelligent Gate (i-Gate), and Mobile Enforcement (ME), among others.
He emphasised that the introduction of e-Customs would significantly reduce human errors and eliminate intermediaries, thus ensuring that transactions are fully transparent and auditable. Real-time data on imports, exports, and duty payments will be made readily available to Customs officials, aiding in the detection of discrepancies and ensuring accountability.
Adeniyi also discussed the various ongoing digitalisation projects within the NCS, including the Automated Customs Processing System, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, and the Advanced Ruling System.
He noted that these systems form the core of modern Customs operations, automating the submission, processing, and verification of import and export documentation.
The Comptroller-General pointed out that the use of electronic payment platforms has enhanced transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.
According to him, “Traders can now pay duties electronically through designated banks, which remit the funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within 24 hours. This system reduces delays and minimises the risks associated with cash transactions, providing a secure and auditable record of payments.”
Adeniyi also highlighted the significance of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), initially introduced in 1990 under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
He noted that the system has undergone several upgrades, with the latest version providing an integrated and automated platform for monitoring cargo movements across borders in compliance with Customs regulations.
On the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, launched by NCS in August 2023 as part of the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards, CGC Adeniyi explained that compliant businesses benefit from expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and priority treatment.
The programme enhances trade facilitation while ensuring accountability by relying on real-time verification of compliance records.
CGC Adeniyi also shed light on the Advanced Ruling System, which allows traders to obtain binding rulings on the classification, origin, and Customs valuation of goods prior to importation.
This system offers traders predictability and transparency, significantly reducing uncertainties in duty payments and enabling them to plan for accurate cost projections.
Launched on 2nd May 2024, the Advance ruling programme aims to increase compliance by offering clarity of traders obligations well before their goods arrive at the ports .
He however noted that the digital process helps to elimi delays in decision making and enhance accountability in duty collection ultimately reducing disputes and underpayment of duties.
The NCS modernisation project is poised to revolutionalise Nigeria customs operations by bringing about increased efficiency, transparency and revenue Generation for the Government