The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has embraced new technologies to combat smuggling and promote trade at Nigerian seaports and land borders. In an effort to enhance operations through digital monitoring, the NCS has introduced Virtual Reality Tech and the Time Release Study (TRS), both of which are digital tools aimed at increasing efficiency. The Comptroller-General Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has emphasized the commitment to using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost trade and combat smuggling.
The introduction of the TRS service was announced at a two-day workshop on the installation of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT), organized by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Ho Entertainment. CGC Adeniyi described the TRS as an initiative to streamline cargo clearance and enhance trade in Nigeria. The TRS is a globally recognized tool by the WCO that facilitates the clearance of goods from arrival until their physical release. Adeniyi explained that the TRS method measures the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release.
The Customs boss commended the WCO and CCF Korea for their collaboration during the VRT training. He also highlighted the NCS’s dedication to technological advancements and mentioned the training of officers on radioactive elements to prevent smuggling. The Commandant of NCCSC, Kingsley Egwuh, called for collaboration and expressed optimism that the workshop would improve customs personnel skills, enhance inspection procedures, and effectively curb smuggling.
Professor Baek Sung-Sil, the WCO representative, praised the CGC’s commitment to modernizing customs activities through technology. The NCS’s adoption of Virtual Reality Tech and the Time Release Study reflects their determination to combat smuggling and promote trade by leveraging advanced digital tools.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic shift towards incorporating digital technologies like Virtual Reality Tech and the Time Release Study demonstrates their dedication to efficient customs operations. The implementation of these tools, along with the emphasis on advanced Artificial Intelligence, highlights the NCS’s commitment to streamlining cargo clearance and enhancing trade in Nigerian seaports and land borders. With a focus on leveraging technological advancements and collaboration with international organizations like the WCO, the NCS is reinforcing its efforts to combat smuggling and promote a conducive environment for trade.
