The Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed plans to roll out an electronic-Customs platform with capacity to promote future increase in cargo throughput using technology.
The e-Customs set to commence next week is expected to enhance and improve operational methodologies in the agency.
The National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Joseph Attah, said this at a training workshop in Lagos on Thursday.
Attah who was represented at the training by Uche Ejesieme, a Superintendent of Customs, added that the role of the service in the blue economy would have to do with its initiative towards improving Customs processes and procedures.
He said, “You will recall that our automation process began with the Automated System for Customs Data, ASYCUDA, then transited to ASYCUDA++, then we had ASYCUDA 2.7 version, then Nigeria Customs Integrated System 1 and 2.”
He added, “Now, the service is working on a more active system that will be launched next week that will have the capacity to promote future increase in cargo throughput using technology.”
He stated that some deliberate steps created by the service in dealing with Trade Related Disputes which include creation of the dispute resolution committee at the headquarters and at area commands.
He noted that certain committees were charged with the responsibilities of identifying trade dispute and addressing them expeditiously with minimal delays.
According to him, there is a renewed synergy and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and other critical security and regulatory agencies in seaports, airports and the borders.
He said the initiative had enhanced the speed with which issues were handled without the usual rancour, which was the order of the day.
The marine unit of the service, he added, had helped to confront smugglers at the waterways, making seizures and decimating their activities.
– Punch