The Nigeria Customs Service has begun training and sensitizing officers and stakeholders in Zone A on its new Automated Transire Process.
The training and stakeholder engagement at the Apapa Customs Command aims to reduce cargo clearance time, minimize human contact and corruption, and enhance automation across the service.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the transformative impact of the new system, stating that it would improve trade efficiency.
Represented by Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih (Zone A), Adeniyi revealed that the innovative ATP is set to be introduced before the end of March.
He stated that the system would revolutionize customs operations by streamlining cargo clearance, “minimizing the risk of cargo diversion, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.”
Adeniyi emphasized that the introduction of real-time tracking would reduce the chances of cargo diversion or loss, increasing stakeholder confidence.
The CGC expressed optimism that the ATP would enhance transparency and accountability by eliminating manual processes and ensuring every shipment is monitored from departure to arrival.
Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Z. M. Gaji, representing the Deputy Comptroller General of Information and Technology/Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, described the automation of transire processes as a game-changer for Customs operations in Nigeria.
Adeola explained that the training was divided into two sessions: “one for desk officers who will directly manage the system and another for stakeholders to familiarize them with the new process.
She expressed satisfaction that the system was developed in-house by NCS’s ICT officers rather than external service providers, ensuring it is tailored to Nigeria’s specific trade environment.
Adeola emphasized that the NCS would implement the system in phases, including extensive stakeholder engagement, a user acceptance test, and a pilot rollout at selected locations. She highlighted the importance of these steps in refining the system to align with operational realities and industry needs.
She urged stakeholders to actively participate in the process, share insights, and contribute to discussions that would help refine the system before its nationwide rollout.
She encouraged stakeholders to actively engage in the implementation process by sharing insights and contributing to discussions that would help optimize the system before its nationwide rollout. According to her, stakeholder input is essential in fine-tuning the Automated Transire Process (ATP) to ensure it aligns with industry needs and operational realities.
During the interactive session, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, raised a key question regarding the system’s tracking mechanism. He sought clarification on whether the ATP was specifically designed to monitor Customs officers serving as escorts or the containers themselves.
In response, the trainer explained that the primary function of the ATP is to track officers involved in cargo movements. This tracking mechanism aims to enhance accountability and transparency within the customs operations framework. By monitoring officers in real-time, the system minimizes the risks of cargo diversion and unauthorized activities, ensuring strict compliance with Customs regulations.
