Customs Corner
Minister Of Finance Zainab Ahmed Commissions Customs Scanners In Lagos
Author: Cynthia Idowu; Lagos.
In order to aid fast clearance of goods at the Port and generate more revenue for the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed Commissioned three 500 maximum capacity ultra-modern Scanners in Lagos.
The Minister of Finance also disclosed at the APM Terminal in Apapa, that one hundred and twenty Customs Officers and Men have already been trained to man the scanning machines and the scanners will further upgrade the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service in line with international best practices.
According to the Minister, the present process of physical examination of cargo is time-consuming thereby causing loss of revenue for the Federal Government, unlike the new scanners that can scan cargo in minutes and detect concealed goods in cargo.
“This process enables more cargoes to be scanned and brings about the desired efficiency and effectiveness in Customs cargoes examinations.
“I, therefore implore the Management of the NCS to collaborate with the contractors to ensure proper maintenance and full utilization of the Scanners within the thirty (30) months provided in the contract agreement, as well as enhanced capacity building and training of one hundred and twenty (120) Customs scanning officers.” She said.
Similarly, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) said, the Service is ever ready and will ensure good use of the new equipment.
“Unlike previous attempts at managing scanners, our officers have been trained up to level 2 maintenance capability. This ensures that the day-to-day management of these machines will be proficiently handled by our officers who have been trained and certified by the manufacturers to carry out basic maintenance.
“We appreciate our partners the terminal operators, who have taken the pains to adjust their operations to suit the innovations of the moment. Our continuous collaboration will ensure that cargos are promptly delivered for scanning and evacuated from the ports as soon as they are certified to be compliant by our officers and other regulatory agencies.” He said.
Considering the usefulness of the scanners, the CGC said, it will further aid full compliance with extant laws and facilitate trade for compliant traders.
“We know that this equipment will be of special benefit to manufacturers who import homogenous items in large volumes. We also know that importers of high-risk goods will no longer have any place to hide. So we are hereby putting recalcitrant traders on notice. They either change or be ready to face the full consequence of their actions.” He emphasized.
Speaking further, the CGC noted that, the cargo scanning process will not only reduce the stress associated with positioning, offloading and taking inventory of containers. It will store recorded images in a safe format easily accessible by all agencies from the comfort of their offices.
Another advantage is, it will make the auditing of transactions using images easier and will checkmate attempts by non-compliant traders to cheat the system.
“The challenge of security is of immense concern to all well-meaning citizens. Since we know that a good number of items that pose a threat to national security find their way through our various entry points, we believe that the equipment that is being commissioned today will greatly enhance our capacity to defend our dear nation.” He also stated.
“As we approach phase one of the customs modernization, we shall see the deployment of scanners to all sea ports, airports, and approved land borders. We shall also witness the launch of a central data management system when live feeds from our ports and borders can be viewed and monitored from our headquarters” He added.
The three Scanning machines were installed in Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, and Onne Port respectively.
By Lucy Nyambi
In a heartwarming gesture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.
During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stating, “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”
This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.
“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” He explained.
Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen, pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.”The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously. “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward,” he stated.
In response, Odulaja appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”
It will be recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.
According to the statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”
Gift Wada
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa has showcased Nigeria’s groundbreaking approaches to trade facilitation at the 2024 World Border Security Congress (WBSC) in Istanbul, Turkey.
Saulawa’s paper, “Enabling Trade Facilitation Under Fragile Borders: Nigeria’s Experience,” emphasised the challenges and opportunities faced by African borders, with Nigeria as a focal point.
The annual WBSC gathers law enforcement agents, industry experts, security analysts, IT vendors, scholars, and representatives from international organisations such as Interpol, WCO, AU, USCBP, UNODC, and OSCE.
The forum serves as a platform for brainstorming and exchanging ideas to address the complex issues surrounding global frontiers.
Saulawa’s presentation highlighted Nigeria Customs’ efforts in trade facilitation, including initiatives like the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Advance Ruling. These strategies aim to streamline border procedures, enhance security, and promote efficient trade flow.
By sharing Nigeria’s experience, Saulawa contributed to the collective effort to find practical solutions to the challenges posed by vast and often fragile borders. His paper underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing border security issues on a global scale.
The presentation solidifies Nigeria’s position as a leader in border management and trade facilitation efforts.
…Seizes 92 Points to Secure Top 3 Position
By Cynthia Idowu
The basketball team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) secured a spot among the top three teams at the recently concluded tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.
The determined team, which included Lucky Aliyu, defeated the Federal Fire Service team by 92 – 61 points to clinch the bronze medal.
Muhammad Abba, Customs team captain, praised the veteran players for their contribution to the team’s success in the tournament.
Coach Abba, a former player himself, commended the Comptroller General of Customs(CGC) Bashir Adeniyi for his efforts to rejuvenate sports in the Service.
“I am pleased with the positive attitude displayed by the players throughout the championship, and on their behalf, I want to express our gratitude to our CGC for his unwavering support for sports in the Nigeria Customs,” said Coach Abba.
Sam Onikeku, the Service Sports Secretary and member of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, shared his vision for sports in the Nigeria Customs.
Customs Visits Family of Rice Sale Stampede Victims, Rollout Support Strategies
Nigeria Customs Unveils Innovative Strategies at World Border Security Congress
Customs Basketball Team Finishes Strong at Tournament
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