The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr..Bashir Adeniyi, has stated that the NCS Modernisation Project is a Public Partnership Programme expected to generate over $176 billion in revenue for the Nigerian government over a 20-year concession period.
The project, Adeniyi explained is aimed at completely automating Customs operations and integrate various stakeholders in the trade ecosystem, including the port authorities, shipping companies, and government agencies.
Adeniyi, who was represented by the Comptroller of Tin Can Island Port,Mr Dera Mnadi.
He stated this while presenting a paper titled,”Strategic Importance of Digital Infrastructure in Import Duty Collection and Accountability” at the just concluded Finance and Business Online Publishers(FiBOP) in Lagos.
Adeniyi said that upon full implementation, the project is envisioned to deploy e-Customs applications and systems such as e-clearance, e-Port System, e-Risk Control Centre (RCC), Logistics Management Systems (LMS), Electric Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), Intelligent Gate (i-Gate) and Mobile Enforcement (ME) among others.
The e-Customs, Modernisation Project the Customs boss said reduces the likelihood of mistakes and errors by removing human intermediaries and making transactions fully transparent and auditable.
He further explained that real-time data on Imports, exports and duty payments are available to Customs officials, making it easier to detect anomalies and discrepancies.
Adeniyi informed that there are various key digitalisation projects of the NCS.
He listed the projects to include : Automated Customs processing systems, E-Customs Modernisation project, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Advanced Ruling System..
On the Automated NCS Operating System, the CG, said that these are at the core of modern Customs operations and are used for automating the submission, processing and verification of Import and rxport documentation.
He also listed the automated systems adopted by NCS to include:Electronic payment platform.
The use of e-payment systems for
Customs duties and taxes, he said have greatly enhanced the transparency and efficiency of revenue collection.
Traders, Adeniyi said pay duties electronically through collecting banks while the banks remit to CBN within 24 hours, thereby reducing the delays and risks associated with cash transactions.
“These platforms provide a secure and auditable record of payments, ensuring accountability and minimizing revenue leakages,’ he said.
He said that the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is an
electronic system devised under the auspices of the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development( UNCTAD) was introduced into NCS operations in 1990 and that it was replaced was replaced by ASYCUDA 2.7 version in early 2000 and further upgraded to ASYCUDA 3.0” or “ASYCUDA++” between 2006 – 2010.
Adeniyi pointed out that the resultant effect of the system provided NCS with an efficient, integrated and automated control platform to monitor cargo travelling across borders within a framework of Customs clearance laws, regulations and processing.
Speaking on Aothorised Economic Operator(AEO) programme, the Customs boss said that it was launched by NCS in August 2023 as part of the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards, designed to enhance security in the supply chain while facilitating trade.
He added that through the AEO initiative, compliant and trusted businesses are granted expedited clearance of goods, reduced inspections, and priority treatment.
‘This programme not only streamlines Import/Export processes but also strengthens accountability as traders who consistently meet regulatory standards are rewarded with fewer barriers.
“The AEO Programme reliance on digital infrastructure allows for real-time verification of compliance records, ensuring that duties are accurately calculated and collected. This fosters trust between the Customs authority and the business community while reducing revenue leakages caused by smuggling or underreporting,” Adeniyi said.
On.the Advanced ruling System, he said that it is another strategic project under the NCS modernisation efforts, offering predictability and transparency to traders, adding that It enables traders to obtain binding rulings on the classification, origin and Customs valuation of goods before importation.
According to him, “This system significantly reduces the uncertainties surrounding duty payments, ensuring that duties are properly assessed and that traders can plan for accurate cost projections.”
The NCS boss posited that by digitiding this process, the NCS has succeeded in eliminating delays in decision-making and enhances transparency, ensuring accountability in duty collection, adding that the Advance Ruling System is expected to increase compliance as traders have clarity on their obligations well in advance of their goods entering Nigerian ports, minimising disputes and underpayment of duties.
The Advance Ruling Programme was launched by NCS on 2nd May, 2024.
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