By Ajibola Adedoye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another significant milestone with the commencement of Time Release Study-a systematic and standardized approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release.
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs in his remarks at the launch in Lagos on Thursday, February 8, 2024, said “the NCS is joining other Customs Administrations in the world that have embraced the tools developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to promote the growth of international trade, with TinCan Island Port serving as its pilot location.
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According to the NCS Boss: “This initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimize the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour
aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development.
“TRS plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing trade facilitation by providing detailed insights into the efficiency of our processes.
“Our dynamic and rapidly changing environment requires swift and
adaptable responses to the needs as they arise. Adopting a scientific and data driven approach is paramount not only for customs administrations but also for all stakeholders involved in international trade.
“With the complexities of modern
trade, traditional evaluation methods often fall short in accurately identifying
bottlenecks and inefficiencies across the entire trading environment. The TRS
methodology offers a systematic and precise analysis, enabling us to identify
areas for improvement with accuracy. This scientific approach enhances the
credibility and reliability of our findings, ensuring that efforts to optimize trade
facilitation are targeted and effective.
“Embracing these methodologies allows
stakeholders to collaboratively work towards enhancing trade efficiency and
promoting broader economic development.
“In response to the dynamic demands of our environment, fostering cooperation between Customs administrations (C2C) and Customs-to-Business (C2B) interactions is paramount. The WCO provides invaluable platforms for
such collaboration, offering capacity building, technical assistance, and best
practice sharing.
“With the expertise of our colleagues present, we are well equipped to support the TRS effectively.
“Reflecting on the historical implementation of TRS in Nigeria adds depth to our understanding of its significance.
“In 2010, the Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS) underwent a comprehensive TRS conducted by the USAID MARKETS
Project, focusing on the Apapa Port and Seme Border. This study employed
standardized methodologies and precise time analyses, offering crucial insights
into our operational dynamics.
“Subsequently, some twenty Cross-cutting recommendations were made, including the development of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, implementation of a Single Window system, purchase of additional cargo handling equipment, infrastructure repairs at the
ports, streamlining of terminal yard logistics, enforcement of truck safety
standards, use of more scanners, implementation of paperless clearance, and imposition of penalties to deter non-compliance” he maintained.
Going further, Adeniyi disclosed that, a second attempt was made in 2018 to conduct another TRS exercise;
however, it was unsuccessful due to the lack of proper collaboration among the
relevant agencies.
According to him, “Today’s exercise builds on the lessons learned from both the 2010 and 2018 attempts. We have made significant progress since then, including the implementation of paperless clearance and advancements in our AEO programs.
Additionally, provisions under the new Customs Act now speak to the
imposition of penalties to deter non-compliance.
“Recommendations such as the implementation of a Single Window have been longstanding, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. Today’s TRS promises to take a different dimension, aligned with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration policy targets aimed at promoting effectiveness and eficiency in all fronts, including trade facilitation and economic reform.
“Several other measures have been put in place ahead of today’s exercise,
including the revitalization of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC)
and extensive stakeholder engagements resulting in the signing of the Lagos
Continental Declaration document.
The launch of the TRS in Lagos today underscores the NCS’s commitment to
improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria.
In addition to TRS, the NCS is deploying the AEO program, Advanced Ruling, and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue.
“These initiatives are supported by the WCO, further emphasizing our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures” the CG Customs concluded.