In a bid to ensure smooth and seamless cargo transit operations, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced training for officers in Zone A and stakeholders sensitization on its new Automated Transire Process (ATP).
The training and port stakeholders engagement, which took place at the Apapa Customs Command, is expected to reduce cargo clearance time, minimise opportunities for human contact and corruption, enhance automation across the Service.
NCS is scheduled to introduce the innovative ATP before the end of March in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who had directed that the full automation of the process is achieved by first quarter 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Charles Orbih, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, emphasized the transformative nature of the new system and tipped the new process to enhance trade efficiency.
According to him, the system will revolutionize Customs operations by reducing the time and complexity involved in cargo clearance, minimizing the risk of cargo diversion, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
He pointed out that with the introduction of real-time tracking, the risk of cargo diversion or loss would be minimized, thereby boosting confidence among stakeholders.
Orbih also expressed optimism that the ATP would bring greater transparency and accountability by eliminating manual processes and ensuring that every shipment is monitored from departure to arrival.
On his part, Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Z. M. Gaji, who represented the Deputy Comptroller General of ICT/ Modernization, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, described the automation of transire processes as a game-changer for Customs operations in Nigeria.
He noted that the training was structured into two sessions: one for desk officers who would be directly managing the system and another for stakeholders to familiarize them with the new process.
Gaji expressed delight that the new system was developed in-house by Customs ICT officers, rather than external service providers, ensuring that it is tailored to Nigeria’s specific trade environment.
While explaining that the NCS would adopt a phased approach, including extensive stakeholder engagement, a user acceptance test (UAT), and a pilot rollout at selected locations, he stressed the importance of these steps in refining the system and ensuring that it meets operational realities and industry needs.
He encouraged stakeholders to actively engage in the process, provide insights, and contribute to discussions that would help optimize the system before its nationwide implementation.
During the interactive session, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, sought clarification on whether the ATP was designed to track Customs officers who are escorts or containers.
In his response, the trainer explained that the system primarily tracks officers to ensure accountability in cargo movements. However, he added that under the broader B’Odogwu framework, container tracking capabilities would also be integrated to enhance security and monitoring.
Similarly, the CAC of Tin Can Island, Command Frank Onyeka inquired about the system’s functionality during weekends, recommending that ATP should be fully effective and seamless with real-time tracking capabilities.
The trainer, however, assured participants that the process was designed to function round the clock, including weekends, as the automated nature of the system allows for continuous cargo processing without manual intervention.
Port stakeholders also admonished Customs Commands at mother ports to have seamless engagements with other units like the Federal Operations Units (FOU) to curb arbitrary interception of transit containers.
Manifest transmission and payments on the ATP platform were also raised as possible challenges with the new system as the NCS promised to refine the processes.
