Photo: The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, addressing the Senate Finance Committee, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Customs seeks Senate support to improve trade facilitation, revenue generation
The Nigeria Customs Service has sought the intervention of the National Assembly towards improving its trade facilitation and revenue generation by enhancing the automation of its operations.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC)Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, when he appeared before the Senate’s Finance Committee, in Abuja.
A statement issued on Thursday by Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, said Adeniyi noted that the intervention by the lawmakers would bolster the service’s current automation drive by providing ICT tools to address its core needs.
According to the CGC, the comprehensive automation of NCS’ operations will enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation, and culminate in fostering economic growth, job creation, and dynamic trade relations.
Adeniyi recalled when the NCS, as part of its efforts to introduce computerization into the service, initiated the automation process in the late 1990s, by purchasing modern gadgets, including computers and softwares.
He explained that the objective was not only to introduce them but also standardize them to enhance clearance processes and revenue generation, which would result in a better experience for both Customs administration and stakeholders.
The CGC stressed that further enhancing the automation of Customs operations was informed by the clear cut objectives of boosting trade facilitation and revenue generation, which must be met.
“The first major objective is 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, and ranking among the best in the world.
“The third objective is to provide technology-based solutions to address challenges faced by the Service.
“The last part is the general organization of our infrastructure to provide the tools needed that will be associated with these objectives and deliverables, and above all, build a Unified Customs Management System,” Adeniyi was quoted as saying.
“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.
“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,” he added.
The CGC also urged the Senators to support local business people in exporting items towards ensuring a smooth business environment for local traders, adding that such a perspective shift could significantly contribute to boosting Nigeria’s economy and play a pivotal role in job creation.
Adeniyi added that adopting these measures would create jobs for Nigerians, enhance tax payments, attract investors, and rejuvenate industrial sectors, which would bolster the nation’s economy.
Sen Mohammed Sani Musa (APC-Niger East), Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, in response, lauded Adeniyi for the strides made in revenue generation.
He expressed optimism that with its impressive recent revenue records, the service was apparently poised to multiply its financial contributions, which is an imperative for the country, especially given its current economic needs.
Musa said: “By encouraging a more balanced approach, the aim is to empower local businesses through increased attention to export initiatives, which aligns with a broader vision for a sustainable economic landscape.”
