NCS to boost trade, combat smuggling through advanced AI

By Tayo ABIOLA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will boost trade and combat smuggling through advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Comptroller-General Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the commitment at a two-day workshop on Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) installation, organised by WCO and Ho Entertainment.

The latest effort geared towards that is the “Virtual Reality Tech” and the Time Release Study”, which are digital technologies aimed at enhancing operations through digital monitoring.

Unveiling the Time Release Study (TRS) service, Adeniyi explained that it is a globally acknowledged tool by the World Customs Organisation to facilitate the clearance of goods from arrival until their physical release.

“Today, we are 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.

“The WCO remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing customs procedures through various instruments and tools, such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

“Among these initiatives is the Time Release Study (TRS) developed to provide comprehensive insights into customs operations’ efficiency as the TRS in Nigeria, starting with Tincan Island Port, serving as the Pilotocation.

“The TRS method is a systematic and standardised approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release,” Adeniyi said.

Represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Malanta Yusuf, at the VRT training, the Customs boss commended WCO and CCF Korea for their collaborative gesture.

He underscored Customs’ dedication to technological advancements, including officers’ training on radioactive elements to prevent smuggling.

Commandant of NCCSC, Kingsley Egwuh, called for collaboration, expressing optimism that the workshop would enhance customs personnel skills, improve inspection procedures, and curb smuggling.

WCO representative, Professor Baek Sung-Sil, praised the CGC’s commitment to modernising customs activities through technology.