Automated Transire Process: Customs begins training of officers, stakeholders

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, began training of its officers and stakeholders on the Automated Transire Process (ATP) to enhance efficiency and remove bottlenecks in cargo processing.

BRANDECONOMY reports that ATP is a digital procedure for tracking customs escort officers involved in the movement of containers from seaports to bonded terminals.

Speaking at the opening of the training in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr Bashir Adeniyi, said that ATP was not just a technological upgrade. Adeniyi stated that ATP was a strategic shift designed to position Nigeria at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.

Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ (ACG), Charles Orbih, said that Automated Transire Process represented a transformative leap forward for Nigeria’s customs operations.

He said that ATP embodied the Customs’ commitment to modernising its services, ensuring that Nigeria remained a key player in global trade.

He added that ATP would also help in securing a more efficient, transparent, and accountable environment for all stakeholders.

“We also understand that change can be challenging, and the introduction of this technology may require adjustments.

“However, be rest assured that we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

“As we roll out this automated system, I must emphasise that stakeholder collaboration is paramount,” he said.

Adeniyi said that the service could not achieve these goals in isolation.

“It is only through close cooperation with all of you, bonded warehouse operators, terminal handlers, shipping lines, transporters, and barge operators, that we can ensure a smooth and seamless transition to this new process.

“Through continuous dialogue, training, and support, we will work together to ensure that the shift to this automated system is as smooth as possible,” Adeniyi said.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Modernization, Z.M. Gaji, said that the management trained officers and stakeholders on ATP to reduce bottlenecks concerning cargo processing.

Gaji described ATP as a game-changer in customs procedures, which creates more transparency in the system and reduces the human element in cargo clearance.

He said that the system was designed by officers of the service, adding that apart from enhancing efficiency, the system would improve revenue collection and enhance global best practices.

“There will be both officer and stakeholder engagement to achieve user acceptance before the deployment of the software for final implementation.

“Officers and stakeholders are urged to take advantage of the training, contribute, and share experiences to improve customs processing,” Gaji said.

The Business Process Analysis of Customs, Usman Abba, in his presentation, said that ATP was a digital procedure for tracking customs escort officers involved in the movement of containers from seaports to bonded terminals.

Abba said that part of the NCS’s plans for the “B’Odogwu” initiative was that there would be no need for escort officers for transire, as the service would be able to track the containers digitally.

“Officers at the processing center will send the document to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) after submission.

“The officer will be assigned to containers; at least one officer will be assigned to five containers at a time.

“The officers will get approval from the CAC before continuing the processing for payment validation,” Abba said.

He noted all the complaints by the customs controllers, as well as stakeholders present at the training, and promised to present them to the management for comprehensive resolution.

Abba said that ATP was flexible and better than paperwork, which would enhance efficiency and reduce the time of doing business.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, commended the effort of the ICT officers for developing the customs ATP.

He urged officers to include other operations units, especially the seaports, in the processing to enable them to access the operation and give their directives accordingly.

Olomu advised officers to integrate other sister agencies to inspect cargoes through the platform.

Also, in his contribution, the CAC of Ports and Terminal Multi-service Ltd. (PTML), Tenny Daniyan, urged the ICT department to differentiate between approval and revalidation in the ATP processing.

Another CAC in the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, observed that his command was not factored into the ATP software.

The CAC of the Tin Can Island Customs Command, Frank Onyeka, said ATP should be effective in moving deliveries in the absence of officers.

The President of the Bonded Terminal Operators of Nigeria, Mr Gerald Mbamalu, urged customs to look into the cargo process for the transit manifest, which usually delays their operation.

Mbamalu said customs should ensure getting the bill of lading immediately after cargo processing to enable them to proceed with the declaration and avoid demurrage.