BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has fortified security at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology, cargo scanners, with the project awaiting final regulatory approval for full takeoff.
Acting Comptroller Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, DC, Umar Madugu stated this following a comprehensive assessment of the newly installed facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Madugu inspected the newly installed CX180-180DH pallet cargo scanners positioned at the SAHCO and NAHCO warehouses within the Abuja airport.
To ensure that the technology is fully utilised, Madugu stated that officers underwent specialised image analysis training last month, which equipped them with the skills necessary to accurately interpret scanner images, reduce inspection time and bolster border security.
He noted that Security and Traffic Protocols will guarantee seamless operations once the scanners go live, proposing immediate infrastructure and security upgrades for the scanning zones.
"Traffic assessment officers and CCTV cameras will be positioned strategically to coordinate the movement of inbound and outbound cargo within the scanning area, to ensure seamless operations, and improve efficiency,” he added.
The assessment was conducted in collaboration with representatives from the Trade Modernization Project Limited and the Quality Assurance Unit, who evaluated the facility's operational readiness.
Prior to the inspection, Madugu visited the Customs Area Controller of the FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Aliboh to secure formal clearance for the assessment exercise.
The successful evaluation marks a major milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service's ongoing commitment to leveraging technological advancement for faster, more secure cargo clearance.
Determined to facilitate ease of doing business, the NCS assured manufacturers, freight forwarders and other stakeholders in the trade sector that it will continue to engage them on fiscal policies affecting their businesses, adding that sustained dialogue remains key to resolving implementation challenges and improving the country's trading environment.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi bared his mind at the Customs House, Abuja, during a stakeholders' engagement where participants sought clarification on the recently introduced Green Tax Surcharge Policy, and issues on African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Adeniyi assured the stakeholders of the Service’s resolve to enhance and facilitate trade, promising to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government institutions on matters affecting their business.
On the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, CGC Adeniyi explained that Nigeria would not lower the standards required under the Authorised Economic Operator Programme as the initiative is guided by global benchmarks established by the World Customs Organization, WCO.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan pointed out that electric vehicles can be imported without payment of duty only by holders of Import Duty Exemption Certificate, IDEC, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
She enjoined importers facing classification disputes to take advantage of the Advance Ruling system, noting that, “Once an Advance Ruling is issued based on genuine documentation, importers have certainty on classification, valuation or origin before the goods arrive, thereby reducing unnecessary disputes during clearance.”
Chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, APFFLON, Akeem Ayobiojo lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for implementing Chapter 99, describing it as a major relief for manufacturers.
While seeking wider sensitisation on the implementation of Green Tax, he called for improvements in the administration of Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports and Post Clearance Audit, adding that more predictable procedures would reduce delays and unexpected costs for importers and freight forwarders.
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