Nigeria Customs Service Embraces Digital Innovation for Efficient Operations

By Lod Onyeji 

The Nigeria Customs Service has taken a significant leap towards digital transformation, embracing innovation to enhance transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in its administrative operations. At a Capacity Building Workshop organized by Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) in Lagos, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, representing the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the Service's commitment to digitalization.

Digitalization: A Game-Changer for Customs Operations

Comptroller Nnadi emphasized that digitalization is pivotal in enhancing efficacy and administration procedures. Since 2008, the Nigeria Customs Service has moved away from manual handling and revenue collections, embracing digital technology to facilitate faster, more reliable, accurate, and transparent operations.

Key Initiatives and Programs

Several initiatives have been launched to support this digital transformation, including:

E-Customs System: The latest development in the Customs digitalization process, with fiber cables laid for the project in PTML and the Tin Can Customs Command.

B- Odogwu: An indigenous E-Customs flagship program developed by young officers, expected to generate over $176 billion in revenue over a 20-year concession period.

Authorized Economic Operator Program: Allows compliant agents and importers to avoid duplicating documentation, promoting trust and integrity.

Advance Ruling System: Enables traders to obtain binding rulings on classification, origin, and Customs valuation of goods before importation, reducing uncertainty and promoting compliance.

Benefits and Impact

These initiatives aim to:

- Enhance trade facilitation and predictability

- Reduce disputes and underpayment of duties

- Promote transparency and accountability

- Increase revenue generation

Call to Action

Comptroller Nnadi urged the media to disseminate this information, highlighting the customer-friendly initiatives and opportunities provided by the Nigeria Customs Service. By embracing digital innovation, the Service is poised to revolutionize its operations, supporting economic growth and development in Nigeria.