Connect with us

Customs

Cargo diversion: Customs automates transire system, integrates it into Odogwu platform as it engages officers,stakeholders.

Funso OLOJO and Gloria Odion
In a bid to reduce corruption and diversion of cargo in transit, the Nigeria Customs Service has decided to automate and integrate the transire system into the new Odogwu Cargo clearance platform.
Towards this, the Service has commenced the training of officers and stakeholders on the use and functionality of the automated transire system on Odogwu.
The training, which was held at the Apapa Command, was in two sessions for the Customs officers, terminal operators, bonded terminal operators, freight forwarders and barge operators.
The training sessions were attended by the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Charles Orbih, who represented Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Zanna Gaji, who represented the Deputy Comptroller General of Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, the Area Controllers of Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML.
ACG Orbih  described the automated transit process as more than just a technological upgrade, saying it a strategic shift designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of global trade efficiency.
 According to him, the system will revolutionize customs operations by reducing the time and complexity involved in cargo clearance, minimizing the risk of cargo diversion, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
Orbih highlighted key objectives of the initiative, noting that automation would significantly speed up customs clearance by reducing bottlenecks, shortening clearance times, and providing faster access to goods.
He pointed out that with the introduction of real-time tracking, the risk of cargo diversion or loss would be minimized, thereby boosting confidence among stakeholders.
“The system would bring greater transparency and accountability by eliminating manual processes and ensuring that every shipment is monitored from departure to arrival.
“This, in turn, would limit opportunities for corruption and errors while fostering trust between Customs and its trade partners”
The ACG  further noted that aligning with international best practices through automation would enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a global trade destination.
“Beyond efficiency, the system is expected to reduce operational costs, improve revenue collection, enhance border security, and combat smuggling by providing customs officers with real-time insights into cargo movements.
” By removing manual processes and introducing automated checks,the system would strengthen accountability and transparency while allowing importers and logistics companies to track their shipments in real time.” Orbih declared.
He further disclosed the importance of collaboration in ensuring a smooth transition to the new system while calling on stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation process, provide feedback, and contribute their expertise to refine and optimize the system.
 The Zonal Co- Ordinator further reiterated that the success of the Automated Transire System Process will depend on collective efforts and cooperation between Customs officers, logistics operators, and other stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.
Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Z. M. Gaji, described the automation of transire processes as a game-changer for customs operations in Nigeria.
He noted that the training was structured into two sessions: one for desk officers who would be directly managing the system and another for stakeholders to familiarize them with the new process.
 According to Gaji, the new system was developed in-house by Customs ICT officers, rather than external service providers, ensuring that it is tailored to Nigeria’s specific trade environment.
Gaji emphasized the major benefits of automation, including a significant reduction in clearance times, enhanced transparency in customs procedures, improved revenue collection through better monitoring, and minimized opportunities for corruption.
He further explained that the system would provide a robust tracking and monitoring mechanism for improved trade management, thereby fostering a more predictable and efficient trade environment.
Before full deployment, Gaji explained that the NCS would adopt a phased approach, including extensive stakeholder engagement, a user acceptance test (UAT), and a pilot rollout at selected locations.
He stressed the importance of these steps in refining the system and ensuring that it meets operational realities and industry needs.
The ICT guru encouraged stakeholders to actively engage in the process, provide insights, and contribute to discussions that would help optimize the system before its nationwide implementation.
Feedbacks were received from the participants by the facilitators of the training sessions who promised to relay their suggestions, fears and observations on the automated transire system to the Customs management.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

Zone A Customs leads onslaught against wildlife smuggling syndicate, intercepts Elephant tusks, arrests four suspects

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has successfully dismantled a wildlife trafficking syndicate through a joint operation conducted with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

The intelligence-led operation resulted in the interception of 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing a total of 130.84 kilograms, the arrest of four male suspects, and the seizure of the vehicle used for conveying the illicit cargo.

According to a statement issued by the Customs Zone A Command, the operation was made possible through extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigations into an organized wildlife trafficking network operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The operation was coordinated by the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, and the SIS A Team of the Customs Intelligence Unit, with support from NESREA and the WJC.

The seizure was effected at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe, Ogun State, while the suspects were simultaneously apprehended at various locations in Lagos.

Customs disclosed that the seized elephant tusks have an estimated black-market value in Asia of N126.39 million.

The recovered wildlife specimens and the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.

Speaking on the development, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the seizure as a clear demonstration of the unit’s commitment to enforcing national and international wildlife protection laws.

He noted that the operation was in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which the country is a signatory.

He further cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which prohibits the illegal trade in endangered species.

“This seizure underscores our ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect biodiversity,” Comptroller Aliyu stated.

The Customs chief commended NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission for their invaluable support, noting that the success of the operation was a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.

He urged the agencies to sustain the momentum in combating criminal networks that exploit Nigeria as a transit route for wildlife trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Comptroller Aliyu also appealed to members of the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service by reporting suspicious shipments, activities, or individuals linked to wildlife trafficking.

He assured that the Service would continue to take decisive enforcement actions against anyone found violating wildlife protection laws.

Continue Reading

Customs

Comptroller Anani  vows not to compromise on compliance with Customs extant laws, warns defaulters of dire consequences 

— seeks support of stakeholders 
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The new Customs Area Controller of the  Tin can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has hit the ground running after few days of assuming duties at the command.
To show his determination to sustaining  the tempo of operational success at the command, Comptroller Anani has warned the trading public plying their trade at the command of dire consequences for flouting any of the operational guidelines as spelt out in the Customs Act of 2023.
He also pledged to enhance trade facilitation, build robust synergy and collaboration with sister agencies and sustain the cordial relationship with stakeholders through constant engagement and collaboration.
The ensure successful tenure at the command, the Comptroller Anani engaged in a series of engagement with his officers at various formations, the terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other sister agencies where he sought for their collaboration and support.
He flagged off the engagement with a tour of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment.
The tour was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following this, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players.
During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tin can Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” he said.
The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho.
During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment.
 They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command.
 He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
Continue Reading

Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
Continue Reading

Trending