The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce Webb Tracker mobile Application and a simplified standard operating procedure for the use of scanners, as the Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing business receives a major boost.
The mobile app enables any person that has access to the Nigerian Customs Integrated System (NICIS II) to remotely validate any declaration/payment and more importantly the status of a particular consignment/vehicle.
Public Relations Officer of the Service, Comptroller Joseph O. Attah in a statement stated that with this innovation, motorists and owners of other imported goods no longer have to wait for long period of time for field operatives to confirm the validity of their documents before letting them go.
He disclosed that the mobile app which can be installed in mobile devices (phones, tablets e.t.c) enables the use of the vehicle identification number to upload data concerning the type, make and model of all vehicles at the point of making declaration with a view to assigning value for the payment of appropriate Customs duty.
Compt. Attah further explained: “On the road, field operatives using this mobile application will be able to in real-time, validate any Customs declaration using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the Customs control numbers to ascertain the correct status of vehicles and other containerized goods released or in transit.
“This apart from removing acrimonies associated with enforcement activities on the highways will robustly facilitate free flow of compliant trade while checking illegal imports”.
The Customs spokesperson gave the simplified steps for the standard operating procedure guidelines on the usage of scanners at all entry and exit points in Nigeria.
The steps are:
All containers are Pre-Scanned as soon a they are discharged from vessel.
Declaration, Assessment and Payment is made by the declarant.
NICIS II Risk Engine allocates scanned containers to designated Image Analyst.
For Compliant Containers:
Compliant Containers are released from Customs Control.
Released Container is acknowledged and exited through the gate.
For Non-Compliant Containers:
At the end of each day, a list of suspected containers is forwarded to the Terminal Operator.
Terminal Operator positions them for physical examination on the request of the Declarant.
Officers on Recheck duty examine the suspected containers.
Examination is submitted to the Scanner Manager for further action.
Released Container is acknowledged and exited through the Gate.
The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), who gave the approval for the launch and implementation of the innovative trade facilitation tools expressed the hope that they will eliminate incumbrances being currently experienced by international trade actors in Nigeria.
