The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced the Automated Transit Process, an initiative aimed at streamlining cargo movement, modernizing customs operations, and enhancing trade efficiency across the country’s borders.
The announcement was made by Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) OC Orbih, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Apapa Command. Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Orbih emphasized that the initiative is not just a technological upgrade but a transformative shift that aligns Nigeria’s customs operations with global best practices.
Speaking about the benefit of the initiative, Orbih revealed that the Automated Transit Process is designed to enable the timely movement of goods across borders, minimize the risks of cargo diversion, and ultimately strengthen international partnerships.
“The benefits of the Automated Transit Process are far-reaching, including but not limited to increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, improved revenue collection, enhanced security, and reduced risks; the system will help combat smuggling and illicit trade by providing real-time insights into the movement of goods. This makes it easier for us to identify irregularities, enhance border security, and safeguard national interests.” Orbih said.
“Furthermore, the Automated Transit Process will Strengthen accountability and transparency by removing manual processes and introducing automated checks, we ensure a level of transparency that will be beneficial to all parties involved. Importers, exporters, and logistics companies will be able to track their shipments in real-time, eliminating uncertainties and promoting trust.” He added.
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The Automated Transit Process is designed to reduce delays, minimize the risk of cargo diversion, and improve overall efficiency in the supply chain. Speaking at the event, ACG Orbih highlighted several key benefits of the new system, including:
–Faster Customs Clearance: By automating transit procedures, clearance times will be significantly reduced, benefiting importers, exporters, and logistics companies.
–Real-Time Cargo Tracking: The system enhances security by providing live tracking of shipments, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of goods being diverted or lost.
–Increased Transparency and Accountability: The initiative aims to eliminate manual processing, reducing opportunities for corruption and errors while fostering trust between customs and stakeholders.
–Alignment with International Trade Standards: By embracing automation, Nigeria strengthens its trade relationships and enhances its position as a preferred trade hub in Africa.
The NCS emphasized that collaboration with stakeholders is critical to the successful implementation of the Automated Transit Process. The meeting brought together bonded warehouse operators, terminal handlers, shipping lines, transporters, and badge operators, all of whom play a vital role in ensuring the seamless adoption of the new system.
Orbih acknowledged that while the transition to automation may come with initial challenges, NCS is committed to providing training, technical support, and continuous engagement to ensure a smooth rollout.
The Automated Transit Process marks a major step in the NCS’s ongoing efforts to modernize operations, combat smuggling, improve revenue collection, and enhance border security. With real-time insights into cargo movement, the system will make it easier to detect irregularities and safeguard national economic interests.
