The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to introduce an Automated Transit Process (ATP), a technology-driven system designed to streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency.
In a statement seen by Technology Times, NCS says the new system is intended to improve efficiency and transparency in customs operations by simplifying trade procedures, minimising delays and combating cargo diversion.
“This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.”
– Adewale Adeniyi, Customs Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
Nigeria Customs: ATP to increase efficiency and transparency
Adewale Adeniyi, Customs Comptroller-General, referred to the ATP as a “transformative development” for Nigeria’s trade landscape during a meeting with officers and stakeholders in the Apapa port area of Lagos on Monday.
Charles Orbih, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), representing Adewale, says that the ATP, developed internally by NCS’s ICT team, will replace manual checks for goods moving between ports, warehouses, and borders with digital tracking.
The system will allow real-time monitoring of cargo reducing clearance times and improving accountability. He adds that the upgrade would give importers and exporters “faster access to goods at ports and terminals, potentially cutting costs for businesses.”
According to the Customs chief, the ATP directly addresses these issues by automating the “transire” which is a customs document that authorises the movement of goods, typically by sea, between ports within the same country or between a port and a foreign destination.
Kikelomo Adeola, Deputy Comptroller-General and head of the NCS’s ICT division, adds that the system would “improve revenue collection and minimise opportunities for corruption by ensuring a fair and predictable process.” The rollout follows Nigeria’s push to align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a continent-wide trade pact that requires smoother border processes.
“This innovative system aims to reduce the time and complexity involved in customs clearance, minimise the risk of cargo diversion, and ultimately enhance supply chain efficiency,” NCS says.
The NCS confirms the ATP will first undergo testing at a bonded terminal—a secured area where imported goods are stored duty-free. “We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback,” ACG Zanna Gaji, representing Adeola, says.
During the session, port operators raised concerns about integration with existing workflows. Customs officials acknowledged the need to add features like a “watchlist” to flag high-risk shipments and ensure all departments are linked to the platform. Assistant Comptroller Usman Abba, leading the ATP project, assures that “the system will be fully integrated with all relevant units” before a full launch.
Article edited by Yusuf Balogun.
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