E-Customs is not Concession to Anybody – Compt. Oloyede

By Innocent Orok

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again cleared the air on the modernization of the Customs Service, otherwise known as e-customs.
The Comptroller, Modernization and Risk Management of the ICT Unit, Customs Headquarters, Comptroller Kunle Oleyede said this during a training workshop organized by the NCS for journalists in Lagos on Wednesday. He spoke on the topic ” E- Customs, the Future of Trade Facilitation”.

He said the e- customs from end to end will be operated and managed by Customs officers. Saying it will take the Service 20 years to put all the needed components of the Customs modernization together for proper operations, which will include risk management, deployment of drones, marine surveillance and geo- intelligence among other technological driven mechanisms.

Oleyede said it will have two components, e-port and e- clearance, which according to him will facilitate the Customs to be connected globally. It will improved clearance process and reduce cost, improve employment and generate employment as well as facilitate trade and increase revenue generation to government.

He further stated that the e- customs has the liberty for importers to challenge over charging of duty and the mechanism for redress. It also provide a platform for information to importers on trading and prohibited goods and procedures for appeal. It will also educate the officers even on their retirement date, payments and other human resources management.

He said ” please go and educate the public that e-customs is for Nigerians, managed by Nigerians and not foreign companies. E- customs is a global thing that helps us to speak the same language and other Countries have already key into it” he said.