Success Nwankwo
The Federal Government (FG) hopes to generate more than $250 billion from the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing Customs Modernization Project.
The Trade Monetization Project (TMP) made available to journalists a booklet on frequently asked questions about the Customs Modernization Project, which suggested that the programme would greatly increase the Federal Government’s revenue.
NCS said the CMP is the automation of it’s business operations to simplify and improve the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain, making it easier to get import and export clearances, pay customs, and obtain the release of products.
It was gathered that NCS has successfully tested the use of drones and body cameras to combat the smuggling of products at borders ahead of its deployment.
It announced this during a media tour and sensitization of Trade Modernisation Project activities in Abuja, where the service detailed the TMP’s functions.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the trip, Bukola Omoniyi, Chief Superintendent of Customs, stated that various software had been used in the project to combat smuggling and increase revenue for the country through the NCS.
She noted, “We have the geospatial intelligence software. Presently our officers have already done geo-mapping and the geo-location of all NCS offices. With the software on that table, it can show you the location of all customs offices that we have presently.
“And with that, we are introducing body cameras. All these will be connected to the system, and when it is connected, it means you can physically see the presence of officers. She said.
Also, peaking at the event, Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer, NCS, stated that the main goal of the Customs Modernisation Project was to provide a complete solution throughout the service’s administrative and operational functions.
Ahmed Ogunshola, General Manager of Trade Modernization Project Limited, stated: “By the time the project is fully implemented, it will cover all areas of customs activities, including duties collection, clearance operations and suppression of smuggling.”