NCS Deploying 22 More Scanners To Speed Cargo Clearance, Deepens Digital Reforms

By Samuel Egbewole 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is expanding its cargo inspection capacity with the deployment of 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports and border stations as part of efforts to accelerate clearance procedures and improve trade facilitation.

The initiative also forms part of the service’s wider digital transformation drive, which includes automating licence and permit applications and transitioning to paperless administrative processes.

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja following a quarterly engagement between the service and American business organisations, including the US Chamber of Commerce, its US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC) and the American Business Council (ABC).

Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the engagement was designed to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to institutional reforms and digital transformation.

“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent and responsive customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” he said.

He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for the service and American businesses to exchange views, address emerging concerns and strengthen partnerships with companies operating in Nigeria.

According to him, predictable Customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution remain essential to creating a more favourable business environment.

He added that improvements in these areas would strengthen investor confidence and support businesses seeking investment opportunities in the country.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, provided further insight into the service’s ongoing technology-driven reforms, highlighting plans to automate licence and permit applications to reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.

Adebakin said the deployment of the 22 additional scanners, alongside the introduction of digital platforms, would streamline Customs operations across the country.

He also disclosed that the service was moving towards paperless administrative processes to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery.

He urged businesses to provide feedback on operational challenges, noting that such contributions would help the service identify gaps and improve its procedures.

On the part of the American business community, the President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, acknowledged the role of effective Customs administration in Nigeria’s economic development.

Gaither said efficient border and trade processes were critical to unlocking investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and the digital economy.

She also expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between the NCS and American businesses.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended the service for its progress in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Olele congratulated the NCS on emerging as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council Compliance Assessment.

She also highlighted improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution mechanisms, noting that the quarterly engagements between the service and the business community had helped address longstanding challenges affecting commercial operations.