The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the adoption of new technologies to combat smuggling and promote trade in Nigerian seaports and land borders. Among these technologies are the implementation of Virtual Reality Tech (VRT) and the Time Release Study (TRS), which aim to enhance operations through digital monitoring and improve cargo clearance processes. These advancements align with the NCS’s commitment to embracing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost trade and combat smuggling.
The introduction of TRS service is a significant step towards streamlining cargo clearance and enhancing trade in Nigeria. The TRS is a globally recognized tool developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) that facilitates the efficient clearance of goods from arrival until their physical release. By implementing this systematic and standardized approach, the NCS aims to provide comprehensive insights into customs operations’ efficiency. The pilot implementation of TRS will begin at the Tincan Island Port, serving as a crucial location to test its effectiveness.
The NCS is dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and continually improving customs operations. The agency has also prioritized training its officers on detecting radioactive elements to prevent smuggling attempts. By leveraging technology and equipping its personnel with the necessary skills, the NCS aims to improve inspection procedures and curb smuggling activities further.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in the NCS’s pursuit of modernizing customs activities through technology. The agency commends the collaborative gesture of the WCO and CCF Korea in organizing a two-day workshop on VRT installation. This training session aims to enhance customs personnel skills, improve inspection procedures, and effectively curb smuggling. The NCS recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving its objectives and is optimistic that this workshop will yield positive outcomes.
Professor Baek Sung-Sil, the WCO representative, expressed admiration for the NCS’s commitment to modernizing customs activities through technology. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of the NCS’s efforts in adopting new technologies such as VRT and TRS. With the WCO’s ongoing commitment to advancing customs procedures, these digital tools and instruments will contribute to the growth of international trade. The NCS’s dedication to embracing these initiatives, like the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), further strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global trade landscape.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Customs Service’s adoption of new technologies, such as Virtual Reality Tech and the Time Release Study, demonstrates its commitment to tackling smuggling and enhancing trade in Nigerian seaports and land borders. By leveraging advanced AI and digital monitoring tools, the NCS aims to streamline operations and improve cargo clearance processes. The agency’s dedication to collaboration, officer training, and the modernization of customs activities through technology will drive the growth of international trade and safeguard Nigeria’s borders.
