The Nigeria Customs Service has deployed an Automated Transire Processing System, a digital solution to tackle cargo theft and track the movement of containers in transit out of the ports.
The agency commenced a series of training sessions with stakeholders on the deployment of the system while assuring that it would improve trade efficiency, enhance cargo security, and reduce delays in cargo clearance.
The official training session for the deployment was held at the Customs Area Command Apapa in Lagos on Monday.
Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Charles Obrih who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi at the official training session for the deployment at the Customs Area Command Apapa on Monday, pointed out the significance of the new system in modernizing Customs operations.
According to him, the initiative is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic shift to align Nigeria’s trade practices with international best standards and is a transformative milestone that will revolutionize how the service operates.
He said the Automated Transire Processing System is designed to reduce the time and complexity involved in Customs clearance, minimize the risk of cargo diversion, and ultimately improve the efficiency of the supply chain as the new system leverages state-of-the-art technology to provide real-time tracking and data transparency, boosting confidence among stakeholder.
He also said that the new system was developed in-house by the NCS ICT department and it aims to reduce bottlenecks in clearance procedures, introduce real-time tracking of shipments, and increase transparency in cargo management.
“The Automated Transire Process is designed to speed up customs clearance, minimize the risk of cargo diversion, and ultimately enhance supply chain efficiency.
”By speeding up Customs clearance by automating transit processes, we can reduce bottlenecks, shorten clearance times and provide faster access to goods. This means less time waiting at ports and terminals, which benefits importers and exporters and everyone involved in the logistics chain.
“The new system offers greater visibility into every step of the customs process, which means there will be fewer opportunities for corruption and errors. This will foster trust between customs and our partners, ensuring compliance with best practices as it holds globally.
“With real-time tracking and data transparency, the risk of cargo being diverted or lost will be significantly minimized if possibly eradicated. We can ensure that every shipment is tracked accurately from point A to point B, boosting confidence among stakeholders,” he explained.
Meanwhile, ACG Zamma Gaji, who represented Assistant Comptroller General ICT/Modernisation Kekelomo Adeola, stated that before full deployment, the system would undergo extensive stakeholder engagement, user acceptance testing and a pilot phase.
He further explained that a trial run would be conducted at selected bonded terminals to ensure a smooth implementation and the innovative system promises to foster a more transparent and effective Customs environment, benefiting all stakeholders and the key benefits of the ATP include enhanced efficiency, improved transparency, increased revenue, and robust cargo management.
“We are committed to an inclusive approach. Stakeholder feedback, hands-on testing, and pilot deployment are crucial steps in refining this system to meet industry needs and operational realities.
”Today’s session marks a significant step in our stakeholders engagement process aimed at introducing the informative benefit and fundamentals of this innovative application.
”The ICT has mentioned most of the key benefits of automation. Let me also add that it also enhances efficiency and transparency in customs clearance. Significant reduction in clearance time leading to faster trade facilitation” Gayi explained.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, during an interactive session, inquired about the Automated Transit Process’s (ATP) tracking capabilities.
Specifically, he asked if the system tracks customs officers escorting containers or the containers themselves.
Assistant Controller Usman Abba, a member of the training team, in his response, reaffirmed that the transire system primarily focuses on tracking officers to ensure accountability in cargo movements, and the approach aims to promote transparency and responsibility among customs personnel.
He also pointed out that the B’Odogwu framework will incorporate container tracking features to enhance security and monitoring capabilities.
