NCS Launches Automated System to Checkmate Ports Congestion

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

To ensure effective service delivery, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has disclosed that the Service has launched a fully automated system for overtime cargo clearance to checkmate ports congestion and sharp practices among personnel.

Speaking at a sensitisation programme of critical stakeholders, held at the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, on the ‘Automation of Overtime Cargo and Clearance System’, Adeniyi said the reform would reduce administrative bottlenecks and streamline operations of the service.

Represented by the Comptroller Special Duties, headquarters, Hadiel Hadison, Adeniyi noted that the initiative was informed by his desire to add value to the national economy, facilitate trade and secure the nation.

He said: “It is very important that you have this background knowledge so that together we can move the system and also add value to the national economy and by extension, also be a part of that element that would secure the nation.

“Gentlemen, it is high time that every aspect of customs operations are automated and that informed the Comptroller-General of Customs’ decision that these aspects of the clearing processes be properly explained to all the stakeholders.”

Speaking also, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, said the intervention demonstrates that the Nigeria Customs can both serve as a facilitator of trade and integrity.

Mohammed who was represented at the event by the Comptroller in charge of the Onne Command, Aliyu Alkali said: “This initiative marks a turning point in our operations, for years the challenges of congestion, manual paperwork bottlenecks, abandoned cargo and lengthy clearance process have weighed down trade facilitation and slowed economic activities”.

On the benefit of the initiative, Mohammed stated that the system both engenders transparency and accountability, stressing that the reform is also backed by law.

“The pertinent question is what does this new system entails, it is transparent, every action in this process is time stamped, tracked and recorded, it is simple, stakeholders can now apply, track and receive approvals online without unnecessary physical contact and it improves accountability, officers and stakeholders alike are bound by clear roles and strict guidelines.

 “It is efficient, consignments can now move smoothly and litigation over disposal will be reduced and it fosters data integrity as all documents from application to disposal records are fully automated,” he said.

He explained that the reform is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provides the legal framework for electronic process, overtime cargo timelines and the disposal methods.

Mohammed added: “As you are aware, the act empowers Nigeria Customs Service to handle overtime consignment after 120 days, with provisions for condemnation, auction under disposal methods”.