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Customs boss unveils $3.2bn e-system to end manual operations
Customs boss unveils $3.2bn e-system to end manual operations
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, retired Col. Hameed Ali on Thursday inaugurated a $3.2 billion modernisation project to end manual operations.
During the inauguration of the Project Management Office in Abuja, Ali expressed his delight at the project, which aimed to fully automate the NCS.
He explained that the project was established to improve the processes of the service and eliminate corruption. The project was handled by Trade Modernisation Project Limited.
“Today we are witnessing the state of the art technology.
“So, it is with pride that we reflect on the journey we embarked upon since 2015,” he said.
Ali stated that the NCS chose automation because it has numerous benefits, including driving efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
The project would enable the NCS to adapt to changing market dynamics, automate operations, and unlock revenue to contribute to the economic growth and well-being of Nigerians.
Despite the challenges encountered in actualizing the project, the comptroller-general said that they persevered.
He said “The inauguration is a celebration of NCS ‘ determination, resilience and foresight.
“Every step that has been taken has been a testament to our commitment to embracing the power of digitisation.”
On concerns that adopting the technology would reduce the use of manpower, Ali said such an assertion was unfounded.
Ali mentioned that the modernization of the NCS would enable the service to recruit more personnel. He explained that the project would require a lot of manpower to cover the borders effectively and ensure the security of the people. He emphasised the need to be in line with global practices.
Chairman, TMPL, Mr Saleh Ahmadu, stated the project would “invest $3.2 billion over a 20 year period.
He mentioned that the investment would generate over $200 billion in revenue. He explained that the financing for the first stage of the project was $300 million, which was secured through financial partners. Additionally, there was a cash-backed $9 million performance fund.
Ahmadu stated that capacity building was one of the priorities of the project, and a substantial part of the project would be invested in building the capacity of staff.
According to NAN, the e-customs project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on April 20, and it was to be implemented by Bergman Securities Consultant and Suppliers Limited as the project sponsor.
Africa Finance Corporation and UFC would serve as the lead financiers, while Huawei Technologies would be trained as the lead technical service provider.
The concessionaire had provided the government with $9 million (N4.135 billion) in security for the satisfactory performance of the project. The concessionaire had also executed the depth facility tensions of $300 million (N138 billion) to finance the first phase of the project.
The former minister explained that the revenue-sharing arrangement was 45 per cent of accruals to the comprehensive input service scheme going to the concessionaire and 55 per cent going to the Federal Government.
Five per cent of what accrues goes to the Nigerian Responsible Action Scheme and 75 per cent to the Federal Government.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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