Customs CG Seeks Senate Support on automation process

to improve Trade Facilitation, Revenue generation 

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and dynamic trade relations, the Nigeria Customs Service has sought the intervention of the National Assembly Senate Committee on Customs to address its core needs by providing modern tools for the complete automation of its operations to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR made this plea on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Senate Wing, National Assembly, Abuja.

Regarding the Senate Committee's interest in doubling the NCS's efforts in revenue generation, CGC Adeniyi emphasized, “not only introducing them but also standardizing them to enhance Customs' clearance processes, revenue generation, which will be a better experience for both Customs administration and stakeholders.”

He recalled the initiation of the automation process by the Nigeria Customs Service in the late 1990s when it purchased modern gadgets, including computers and software, as part of the Service's efforts to introduce computerization processes.

Discussing the concession issue, CGC Bashir Adeniyi highlighted some of the objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service's requests to automate its operations. “The first major objective of the consortium was to provide an end-to-end ICT platform to digitalize procedures and processes. The second one is to look at the present infrastructure and update it in line with international standards, ranking amongst the best in the world.” He noted.

He explained that the third objective was to provide technology-based solutions to address challenges faced by the Service, emphasizing, “The last part is the general organization of our infrastructure to provide the tools needed that will be associated with these objectives, deliverables, and part of deliverables first is to build a Unified Customs Management System.”

CGC Adeniyi further explained to the committee members, “The system needs to process the traditions of goods that will provide electronic party systems for the Service whereby its entire processes would be automated.” 

He added, “The conditions of the non-intrusive inspection system include provisions, revisions of cargo tracking systems, intelligent gates, new infrastructure, like a data center to build the capacity of officers because it is essential in the last phase of the project.”

Speaking on the Service's strategic approach to enhancing trade and ensuring smooth businesses for local traders, CGC Adeniyi urged the Senators to actively support local business people in exporting items, emphasizing that such a perspective shift could significantly contribute to boosting Nigeria's economy and play a pivotal role in job creation.

Responding to the Chairman Committee's call on the Service to double efforts in revenue generation, CGC Adeniyi highlighted some measures that should be adopted to achieve giant strides. He added, “If we properly monitor the impact of these kinds of instruments, they do not represent an absolute loss to the economy.”

He also mentioned that adopting these measures would create jobs for Nigerians, enhance tax payments, attract investors, and rejuvenate industrial sectors, which, according to him, would not be a loss for the economy.

In response, Senator Muhammad Sani, the Chairman of the Committee, commended Adeniyi for the strides made in revenue generation. Expressing optimism, Senator Sani asserted that the Nigeria Customs Service, with its recent revenue records, appeared poised to multiply its financial contributions—an imperative for the country given its current economic needs.

He said, “By encouraging a more balanced approach, the aim is to empower local businesses through increased attention to export initiatives, aligning with a broader vision for a sustainable economic landscape.”

A similar interactive session with the Procurement Committee from the House of Representatives shed light on the financial commitments of the Nigeria Customs Service.  However,  discussions were postponed to another date.

How Customs Operatives uncover 975 hidden rounds of red star live cartridges at Imeko, Ogun

Intercepts 975 live ammunition concealed in 5 bags of rice 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Operatives of Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has uncovered the antics deployed by unscrupulous criminals to smuggle in live ammunition through a bush path along Palace/Ayetoro road, Imeko, Afon local Government area of Ogun State, as they intercepted 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing 975 rounds of red star live cartridges at 0005hrs on Monday 27, November 2023.

Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Ahmad Bello Shuaib, disclosed this on Wednesday while showcasing the most recent seizures made at Idiroko border area of Ogun State.

He added that efforts are underway to track perpetrators of the illicit importation.

Acting Controller Shuaib expressed delight on how operatives of the Command thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State by preventing smuggling of live ammunition into the country.

“Our presence here today depicts our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of our beloved nation against insecurity as we will be showcasing our most recent anti smuggling exploits. We are delighted to report that we have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State by preventing the smuggling of live ammunition into the country.”

To him, arms and ammunition smuggling is a high-intelligence operation, often attempting to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement and it requires concerted and collaborative efforts from law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate.

I’m view of this, the acting Controller opined that proactive intelligence is required in this regard. “Smuggling of arms and ammunition is a menace that knows no borders and feeds on the vulnerability of our society,” he said.

He warned that the consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition are severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organizations to escalating crises and compromising national security. “For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise in waging war against the smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation,” he said.

Explaining how operatives of the Command uncovered the secret of the unscrupulous element, Acting Comptroller Shuaib informed that, ”On Monday, 27 November 2023, our operatives conducted a sessional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the tactics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bring in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the State. We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week. Fortunately, at 00:05 hours of the day, we received an intel that the five bags of foreign parboiled rice, containing live cartridges of Red Star ammunition, had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace-Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

“Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter. The bags of rice were suspected due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly aroused the suspicion of our operatives, leading to their opening for proper examination at the Border station.

“During the examination, about 975 rounds of Red Star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags. We have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice. We recognize the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking, which is life-threatening. We shall not renege on our efforts in combating smuggling activities in their entirety.”

The Ag. Controller later appreciated the officers and men of the Command for their bravery and commend the patriotism of their informant. “We call on well-meaning Nigerians with useful intel to collaborate with us in enhancing the security of our dear nation. You are assured of maximum security cover. Let me use this medium to reiterate that we remain resolute in promoting national security.” he assured.
He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for his support and enhancement of the Command’s operations. Controller Shuaibu equally extended his appreciation to sister agencies for the synergy and collaboration the command has continuously enjoyed.

“We shall continue to appreciate the enormous support of the Customs CG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, in enhancing our activities in Ogun State. We equally appreciate the continuous synergy and collaboration enjoyed with our sister agencies.” he concluded.