Customs plans massive installation of scanners at ports

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has unveiled plans of massive installation of scanners at the country’s seaports with the ultimate goal of facilitating better trade.

Adeniyi disclosed this when he hosted a dinner for diplomats that included the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, ambassadors of the United States of America and Germany, representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, and the World Bank at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the envoy, Adeniyi emphasised the NCS’s commitment to leveraging new technological advancements in its operations. He said: “Now that we have a new government, we have a lot of explanations to make to all the stakeholders. We have a responsibility to carry out massive sensitisation on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

The Customs boss underscored the act’s focus on automation processes, the use of a single window and authorised economy operators’ system, incorporating advanced ruling, and expanding the use of scanners, signaling a move towards modernisation.

Commenting on wildlife smuggling, Adeniyi assured the diplomats of his commitment to sustain the battle against illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria. While highlighting the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, he specifically pointed out the importance of international cooperation in customs activities.

The diplomats praised the NCS’s dedication and pledged better collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities. The dinner, also attended by members of the Customs’ management team served as a platform for fostering collaboration and understanding between the NCS and the representatives of the international community.