Eromosele Abiodun
The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) has expressed his delight with automation efforts by agencies of the federal government desirous of perfecting operational processes in line with their mandates in the maritime industry.
He stated this during the launch of the Command Control Communication and Intelligence System (CCCIS) in Lagos recently.
Ali, who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, ACG Eporwei Charles Edike lauded the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the initiative.
According to him, automation of ports operational process by federal government agencies are in line with government’s vision towards changing the old ways of doing business to modern, technology driven processes devoid of human interferences/manipulations.
This, he said, will save time, costs and reduce delays often caused by officials in a bid to be very thorough in their jobs.
“The CCCIS is an additional effort and will enable the Nigerian Navy monitor midstream discharge of un-manifested cargo by vessels on Nigeria waters. Movement of vessels will also be monitored with greater precision to avoid loss of revenue by the federal government.
“The Nigeria Customs believes that the CCCIS will complement other automations already installed and being used by other agencies like the Nigerian Navy which has been assisting Customs on vessel monitoring within Nigerian waters. Other agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and others. The Shippers Council as port Economic Regulator is also making efforts at automation that will improve sea port operations,” said the zonal coordinator.
Edike added that “by the time all these systems are fully integrated, port services will become seamless, highly efficient. Revenue leakage will also reduce drastically. Though each federal government agency has its mandate and specific duties, the CCCIS is a welcome development by the Nigeria Customs Service. “
Edike described it as a technological tool deployed by NPA for improved maritime operations across the country. He noted that all citizens should be proud of the initiative and support it.
The ACG also called for greater collaboration and synergy between federal government agencies as they strive to actualise the dictates of their respective mandates.
