Customs sensitise stakeholders to electronic cargo tracking rollout

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The Nigeria Customs Service, Port & Terminal Multiservices Limited Area Command, on Tuesday, held a sensitisation workshop on the deployment of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System at the command’s conference hall.

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The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.

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Speaking during the sensitisation programme, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the PTML Command, Nura Miko, a Deputy Controller of Customs, explained that the command has been selected as the second pilot command for the nationwide rollout of the ECTS, “following the successful implementation at Apapa Area Command.”

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Miko added that the selection reflects PTML’s strategic importance in national revenue generation and trade facilitation.

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“The deployment forms part of the ongoing reform and modernisation agenda of the NCS under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at building a technology-driven, transparent, efficient, and globally competitive 21st Century Customs Service,” Miko stated.

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According to him, for years, cargo moving under transire to bonded terminals, between commands, or to Free Trade Zones relied on physical escort by officers.

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He highlighted that rising trade volumes have rendered this approach unsustainable, leading to delays, potential vulnerabilities, and significant manpower strain.

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Miko stressed that the Electronic Cargo Tracking System will address trade-related challenges and come with multiple benefits.

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The CAC emphasised that the cargo tracking system will offer real-time cargo monitoring via GPS from the point of departure to the final destination, providing full visibility and control.

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“It will also support the elimination of diversion and leakage, with instant alerts triggered by route deviation, seal tampering, or unauthorised stops,” he added.

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Miko pointed out that the system will optimise manpower deployment, freeing officers from escort duties to focus on other core customs functions and enhance revenue assurance through accurate data on cargo movement and full accountability for all movements.

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According to him, additional merits of the system include strengthened risk management and compliance, supported by data for intelligence gathering and trader profiling.

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On the benefits to stakeholders, Miko said they will also benefit directly through faster clearance and delivery, “with no waiting time for escort teams, which will reduce the cost of doing business due to lower demurrage, fewer delays, and more predictable transit times.”

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He stated further that there would be greater transparency and security, as consignments remain tracked and secured throughout their journey under customs control.

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“This workshop is therefore convened to engage our stakeholders on the procedures, responsibilities, and expectations under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System regime,” Miko said. “I urge all participants to embrace this change, ask questions, and work with us to ensure a seamless take-off.”

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On behalf of the officers and men of the PTML Area Command, he expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS Management Team for their commitment to the digitalisation of Customs processes, as well as to stakeholders for their continued partnership.

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Participants at the workshop include customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarding practitioners, terminal operators, and other private sector stakeholders who interface with the NCS.

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