Tag: customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has launched its Time Release Study (TRS) to promote international trade and boost growth.

The Time Release Study is a strategic and internationally recognised tool to measure the actual time required for the release clearance of goods, from the time of arrival until the physical release of cargo, with a view to finding bottlenecks in the trade flow process and taking necessary measures to improve quick cargo clearance and trade facilitation.

The TRS was launched in Lagos, by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the economy, Wale Edun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, to measure the time it takes each of the government agencies to release goods from the nation’s sea ports and border stations and boost trade facilitation programme of the Federal Government.

The TRS initiative, Edun said, was part of the efforts of President Bola Tinubu to keep to his promise to the global business community that his administration will eliminate all obstacles and create conducive environment for businesses to flourish and for them to invest more in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Edun said, the TRS falls within the domain of the Federal Government Renewed Hope Agenda.

The TRS initiative, the Finance Minister said, is to streamline Customs operations and boost trade facilitation in line with President Bola Tinubu economic plans.

The TRS, the Minister said, would enable the Service to see the effectiveness of its operation, identify the bottlenecks affecting quick cargo clearance and help them in finding necessary and possible solutions for improvement in the clearance of goods and logistic services.

Addressing participants at the Launching of Time Release Study (TRS) Scoping Mission for Nigeria by the Nigeria Customs Service, Edun said, the government is concerned about cost effectiveness and how minimise the amount pay as demurrage cost.

“The Time released study approach recognises its significance on how to enhancing trade facilitation so Nigeria will not be left behind, So, we need to key into this TRS I want to urge our stakeholders,” he said.

In his address, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said, the country  decided to joining other Customs Administrations in the world that have embraced the tools developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to promote the growth of international trade.

“The launch of the TRS in Lagos today underscores our commitment to improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. In addition to TRS, the NCS is deploying the AEO program, Advanced Ruling, and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue. These initiatives are supported by the WCO, further emphasising our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures,” Adeniyi said.

The WCO, the CGC said, remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Customs procedures through various instruments and tools, such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

“Among these initiatives is the Time Release Study (TRS), developed to provide comprehensive insights into customs operations’ efficiency.

“Another significant milestone is reached today as we commence the TRS in Nigeria, with Tincan Island Port serving as our pilot location. The TRS method is a systematic and standardized approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release.

“This initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimize the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development.

“Plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing trade facilitation by providing detailed insights into the efficiency of our processes. Our dynamic and rapidly changing environment requires swift and adaptable responses to the needs as they arise. Adopting a scientific and data driven approach is paramount not only for customs administrations but also for all stakeholders involved in international trade. With the complexities of modern trade, traditional evaluation methods often fall short in accurately identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies across the entire trading environment. The TRS methodology offers a systematic and precise analysis, enabling us to identify,” TRS, Adeniyi said.

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Also speaking at the forum, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite thanked organisers of the event for inviting her and for recognising the important role of her ministry in trade facilitation.

While recognising that the service has three major roles to play in the area of security, revenue generation and trade facilitation, she however, implored the leadership of Customs to focus more on trade facilitation to create jobs and boost the economy.

Uzoka-Anite urged the Customs Service to double its efforts on trade facilitation.

She said focusing on trade facilitation would also lead to revenue generation for the government

The Minister said NCS is the only agency in Nigeria saddled with three critical functions namely security, revenue generation, and trade facilitation.

 “However as your trade minister, I implore you to double or redouble your efforts in focusing on just trade facilitation. This is because when you facilitate trade, you’re enhancing our trade volume or you’re making our nation more competitive and then we can generate more revenue without increasing our levies,” she said.

The minister also admonished the agency to fully automate its processes to avoid work hazards that come with border operations.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, said it has busted a smuggling ring that specialised in smuggling foreign rice and other prohibited items into the country.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Area Controller of the Unit, Kehinde Ejibubu disclosed that the seizure was made possible after they have discovered new smuggling hot spots around the border areas.

Some of the items seized include 3,653 X 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 6.5 trailer loads), 23,025 litres of PMS and 241 bales of used clothes

Others include 1,490 kg of Indian Hemp, 1,220 cartons of foreign tomato paste, 983 pieces of used tyres, 104 units of Haojuo motorcycles, 556 cartons of slippers, and 11 units of used vehicles.

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 Ejibunu also disclosed that N83,141,803.60 was generated through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.

“In a continuous and renewed vigour to fight smuggling, we activated an enhanced intelligence gathering and information sharing mechanism, and were able to identify some new smuggling hot spots and schemes employed by smugglers.

“This strategy yielded 60 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N854,156,712. The following major seizures were recorded within January 2024.

“The status of these goods was found to have contravened different sections of the Customs Act (2023), while some were expired at the time of importation; others flaunted the import statutory guidelines. A total of ten suspects were arrested in connection with some of the goods.

“The general public is encouraged to be aware of the consequences of smuggling and its harmful effects; because it is this awareness that would help to reduce the demand for smuggled goods and discourage individuals from participating in smuggling activities.

“Having established the fact that smuggling is a crime which affects the general wellbeing of the nation; it becomes compelling for all patriotic citizens to join the enforcement and regulatory agencies to curb the menace of smuggling,” the CAC said.

The Port Terminal Multiservices Ltd. (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its preparedness to make it relatively simple for bidders to release the cars and containers they have won in the current electronic auction process for overtime cargoes.

Comptroller Saidu Yusuf, Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, made this announcement in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Muhammad Yakubu, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yusuf said: “The process of auctioning through online is very seamless, robust, under-utilised and efficient enough to accommodate more entries.”

He said the terminal’s operators give security a top priority when it involves the safety of vehicles in PTML.

Besides assuring the winners that they would receive their cars in the same condition as they were shipped into the nation, Yusuf also guaranteed there have been no instances of theft or vandalism at the terminal under the command.

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“PTML command is prepared and everything has been put in place to serve beneficiaries who bided and won.

“Winners are expected to present their documents and after paying the required amount, the officers confirm the beneficiary or the winner of that bid, then the beneficiary proceeds to the terminal operator to pick their vehicle.

“Like we have been saying every time, PTML is one of the safest places cargo can be kept, it is not just a terminal, it is a model port and the security is very tight as one is verified before accessing the port,” he said.

While extending congratulations to the winners of the 190 cars from the PTML, Yusuf stated that among other requirements, the system opens for bidding every Tuesday from noon to 6:00 p.m. to verify individuals with Tax Identification Numbers produced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“You don’t need to know anyone as the people who have come forward are Nigerians from different locations and most of them never knew anyone in the NCS or port environment,” Yusuf said regarding the system’s transparency.

Several of the winners, he said, who live across Nigeria, were in Lagos to pick up their cars at the PTML Mile 2 terminal.

Following their vehicle delivery, a few of the winners applauded the Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for permitting all Nigerians, regardless of class or location, to participate in the auction and describing the process as simple and transparent.

Godwin Aguddah, an Abuja winner, commended the initiative while urging other government agencies to take a cue from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in terms of transparently leveraging technology to advance trade.

The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has read the riot act to fraudulent importers and dubious clearing agents operating at the nation’s ports, saying the era of fraudulent activities has ended as the agency’s officers are well equipped to deal with them.

Adeniyi gave the warning at the weekend, during the International World Customs Day, organised by the NCS, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The theme of the event was: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”

The event, which is celebrated yearly, highlights the role played by Customs in the smooth flow of and transfer of goods across the sea ports, air ports and land border stations.

Adeniyi said they were committed “to fostering a substantially improved relationship with stakeholders who adhere to the rules. We recognise  that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.”

To those who are compliant and abide by the Customs rules and regulations, the CGC said, “can anticipate a more streamlined and supportive collaboration.”

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Adeniyi, however, emphasised that the “commitment does not extend to non-compliant entities. We assert unequivocally that adherence to regulations is non-negotiable’’.

“Nonetheless, we remain open to engaging with non-compliant entities that demonstrate a willingness to reform and align with ethical standards,” he said.

The Customs boss said further that the service would not tolerate any unprofessional and illicit act from any of its stakeholders – be it importers or clearing agents.

The CGC added that the disturbing development where agents and, possibly, with the connivance of importers engage in nefarious activities would not be tolerated nor treated with kid gloves any longer

The Service, the CGC said, will in next month, launch a Time Release Study (TRS), to optimise processes and reduce the time it takes for goods to be released at the seaports and land borders across the country.

Adeniyi said the new innovation will further facilitate trade and promote ease of doing business.

Calling for stakeholders’support and collaboration towards achieving the set objectives, Adeniyi assured of his commitment to the three-point agenda – Consolidation, Innovation and Collaboration.

Adeniyi said his administration is dedicated to consolidating efforts, deploying innovative solutions and strengthening collaborations to enhance the effectiveness of their operations.

According to him, “In February, this year, we will be launching the Time Released Study (TRS). This is a comprehensive exercise aimed at optimising processes and reducing the time it takes for goods to be released in our ports and border stations. This study is a scientific and strategic move towards enhancing our operations.’’

He said further that the authorised economic operator programme implementation would reach advanced stages in the next few weeks.

“This will be followed by the introduction of the advanced ruling additional to the establishment of the Customs laboratories we commence with the workshop shadowed in Abuja next week. These initiatives represent concrete steps towards strengthening our relationship with our stakeholders to sample towards improving efficiency.

“In addition to these initiatives, we are actively engaged in the Colibri projects, an initiative that is funded by the European Union and implemented in the Western Central Africa as well as in some Latin American countries and the Caribbean. This project is strategically focused on the monitoring and control of general aviation, with the overarching aim of enhancing the capacity of law enforcement administrations and competent authorities in this specific transportation sector.”

Adeniyi said the memorandum of cooperation will be proposed in the coming weeks among key government agencies operating within the aviation sector.

This collective undertaking, he said, represents concrete steps towards optimising enforcement capacities and fostering effective collaboration with stakeholders, including the specific objectives as outlined in the Colibri projects.

He assured the stakeholders, “that the Lagos continental declaration document is presently undergoing implementations, while initial measures, including the resolution of possible alerts, reduction of customs checkpoints and improvement of officers conducts have actively become additional components of the declaration, and would be pursued with vigour and we anticipate completing due diligence by the end of the first quarter of this year.”

According to him, the recent seizure is a direct result of effective collaboration between agencies is a testament to the potential of interagency partnerships.It showcases the success achievable when government agencies collaborate.

In his address, the Secretary General, World Customs Organisation (WCO) Ian Sauders, said the Customs aspire to actively seek and establish new connections with a diverse range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, environmental organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions.

He said incorporating a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives into Customs strategies is paramount, as it ensures that the strategies are comprehensive and resonate more deeply with the global community.

“As we consider the enablers of our engagement, we must recognize the value of cutting edge technology and data analytics. These tools will enhance our understanding and interaction with partners, increasing our responsiveness and effectiveness,” he stated.

Also, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the recent passage of the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 has created a favourable environment for trade, as It recognises opportunities, addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors.

“In this era of increased interdependence, Customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation,” he said.

In his address, the Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA), Muhammed Bello Koko admitted that “as traditional partners of the Nigerian Customs, we are already recording gains from our renewed collaboration with the Nigerian Customs, which has led to noticeable  reduced cargo dwell time and ship waiting time which has already decongestion of the Ports.

The collaboration, Bello Koko said, has given fillip “to our commitment to the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS) which the NPA has propelled to the final phase of consultancy under the technical guidance of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The PCS, he said, “ is germane to promoting efficiency and making our ports competitive as it lays the groudwork for the National Single Window.

“Our commitment to positioning the Lekki Deep Seaport as transhippment hub to service the maritime needs of our landlocked neighbors will also benefit greatly from this collaboration This alignment of vision between NPA and Nigerian Customs portends great fortune for trade facilitation and national prosperity.

Maximising the opportunities inherent in our littoral assets as a maritime nation rests heavily on this collaboration.

“I therefore wish to commend and appreciate the CG and his team for this new direction and assure everyone of our unwavering commitment at NPA to this noble objective,” Bello Koko said.