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Nigeria Customs Launches Fast Track 2.0 Programme
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the World Bank has launched Fast Track 2.0, a new digitisation programme aimed at fast-tracking clearance of goods at the country’s ports.
While launching the programme on Monday, the Comptroller General of the NCS, Hameed Ali, described it as reward for compliant shippers who would enjoy the fast track from the seaport to their warehouses under strict monitoring.
He said the fast track would not circumvent due process, especially the scanning of containers at the port, adding that anyone caught in any form breaches would be severely sanctioned.
Ali noted that the platform would boost trade facilitation, revenue generation and security.
In his words, “FT 2.0 was designed to admit traders irrespective of the nature of their trade on the basis of compliance alone. Its potential for encouraging traders to play by the rules is significant as it promises huge rewards especially in the areas of drastic cost reductions associated with cargo handling and demurrage at the ports.
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“FT 2.0 is a precursor to the introduction of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme which guarantees even more benefits for compliant traders.
“Over a period of six months the Service carried out sensitization programs in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano with a view to informing the trading public about this latest version of FT 2.0, and the roles and responsibilities expected of all parties in the clearance chain. The feedback gotten during this sensitization, informed the design of a robust automated system with inbuilt filters capable of accessing our historical data and excluding traders who have displayed unwillingness to operate according to set down rules.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, described the initiative as remarkable.
He said the fast track looks more towards trade facilitation and ultimately higher revenue.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Bede Anyanwu, of the Strategic Research and Policy Department of Nigeria Customs Service, said Fast Track 2.0 would create better opportunities for compliant traders and also increase higher revenue for the Federal Government.
