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From Godwin Tsa (Abuja) and Steve Agbota
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday said that the Service (NCS) has achieved an average release time of 43 hours of clearance through the deployment of state-of-the-art technology known as Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).
Adeniyi disclosed this at the World Customs Day celebration in Abuja, said the reduction in cargo clearance time represents 66.9 per cent.
“Our team would pursue excellence in service delivery that would result in a higher revenue generation and more efficient trade facilitation in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy. In pursuit of operational efficiency, the Service has made significant strides in modernizing our processes and procedures.
“Our commitment to efficiency is evidenced by several key achievements over the years. Notably, the successful implementation of the Advanced Ruling System, providing binding decisions on classification and valuation before shipment arrival, thereby reducing clearance delays and disputes, is one of the recent references to our efforts to deliver efficiency”.
According to him, over the years, the Service has modernised its processes to make the trading experience soothing for Nigerians.
“Late last year, we announced the Indigenous development and deployment of our Customs clearance platform, ‘B’Odogwu’, which has already processed transactions worth billions in revenue within its pilot phase,” he said.
He hinted that going forward, the NCS would continue to improve on its efforts to ensure efficiency and the security of the nation, saying these are two key factors to guarantee prosperity.
“The nationwide trade modernisation deployment, comprehensive AEO program implementation, enhanced technology-driven risk management, and the groundbreaking establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service University for Trade and Technology will serve as additional key performance indicators as we evaluate our achievements at the end of the year.
“As we commemorate International Customs Day, we renew our pledge to excellence in customs administration, united in our mission to forge a more secure and prosperous Nigeria through efficient service delivery,” he added.
On drug trafficking, the CGC said the service has intensified its response to evolving narcotics threats, particularly addressing the shift from traditional narcotics to pharmaceutical and synthetic drug abuse. In 2024, this resulted in 105 seizures of narcotics and illicit drugs.
In his Keynote, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Chris Musa, said there could not be security in the country without the Customs Service.
He pledged the collaboration of the Nigerian Armed Forces, a synergy which is key to the successful delivery of Customs’ mandate.
“Security cannot be achieved without the Customs because you cover every aspect of human life. The Customs Service plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods across borders while protecting our country from illicit trade, smuggling and other threats.
“Your unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism is commendable and serves as a shining example for all. In this ever-ever-evolving scope of global trade and security challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service has consistently demonstrated its adaptability, resilience and innovation.
“Your dedication to embracing new technologies, implementing best practices and forging international cooperation has been instrumental in enhancing efficiency in customs operations across the country.
“As we move forward, let’s continue to work in synergy with other agencies, strengthening our partnership, sharing knowledge and leveraging on our collective expertise to further improve customs processes and enhance security measures to ensure the security of our nation,” he added.
