The Nigeria Customs Service has collaborated with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to spearhead efforts to revolutionise the nation’s maritime sector.
By Onwe Georgina
In a statement shared on Customs X page, formerly known as Twitter, disclosed that the focal point of discussion centered around leveraging Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology to enhance operational efficiency within Nigerian seaports.
According to the statement, some critical resolutions that emerged from the strategic meeting aimed at reshaping the landscape of trade facilitation and port operations.
Furthermore, the statement added that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was mandated to prioritise cargo-scanning over traditional physical examination methods.
As for the repair and optimization of scanners, immediate actions were reported to have been endorsed to rectify and optimize existing scanners at major ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML – while also deploying mobile scanners to expedite cargo inspections.
In a joint press statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada – the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ismail Omipidan who is Media Aide to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy revealed a significant step towards a more streamlined and technology-driven maritime future for Nigeria.
Related Posts
- President Tinubu Extends Condolences, Urges Swift Action on Ibadan Explosion
- Customs CG decorates 2 ACGs, Comptrollers, others
- IITA Trains 1, 918 Youths In Agribusiness In Four States
At the meeting, Nigerian Railway Corporation pledged ongoing commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, aiming to reduce congestion at major ports.
The Nigerian Railway corporation had prompt plans which were unveiled for efficient container evacuation from Port Harcourt to Aba, while also envisaging substantial future extensions for Onne Port.
While deliberating on ‘Bypassing Fixed Scanner during Rail Track Construction’, which was aimed to ensure smooth scanning processes during vital infrastructure development, Nigerian Railway Corporation agreed on a pragmatic approach, bypassing the fixed scanner at Apapa amid rail track construction.
The meeting was attended by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria who also joined virtually.
“Efficiency and Innovation”
The Nigerian railway corporation also added that the collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and innovation in cargo inspection processes and will also address Public-Private Partnerships for Scanning Installation and Maintenance to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology.
The anticipated implementation of the resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness.
