Customs Service advances trade facilitation through technological overhaul

Customs Service advances trade facilitation through technological overhaul

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, orchestrated a steering committee meeting to solidify the strides made in implementing the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), aimed at bolstering trade facilitation.

During a confidential gathering at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 15 February 2024, CGC Adeniyi unveiled the project’s goal of end-to-end automation of NCS processes and procedures.

The Trade Modernisation Project encompasses the Unified Customs Management System, Trade Portal, and Cargo Release System, incorporating Automation Services like Big Data & AI Integration and Document Management System, along with Transition & Handbook covering Technology Upgrades and Enhanced Capacity Building.

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The CGC stressed the project’s milestone status, citing its role in digitization for transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. He emphasized, “It sets the stage for adapting to evolving market dynamics in trade, optimizing operations and procedures, and creating new pathways to unlock revenue streams.”

Addressing the NCS TMP Steering Committee, the CGC reiterated the project’s three-phase structure, spanning Core Services, Automation Services, Transition, and Handback over a twenty-year duration.

He expressed optimism about robust discussions and sound decisions to propel the service forward, acknowledging the team’s solid foundation for reviewing progressive decisions.

The Chairman of the Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Saleh Ahmadu, pledged full support for the Service, unveiling software to integrate revenue collection to meet the NCS revenue target of N6 trillion in 2024. Ahmadu acknowledged challenges, particularly in foreign exchange sourcing, and extended gratitude to the Federal Government and CGC for continued support.

“We are a lifelong partner to the Nigeria Customs Service, and together we are changing trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ahmadu affirmed, expressing confidence in the steering committee’s ability to overcome challenges.

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