“Digital system streamlines passenger declarations, strengthens border controls”
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a major improvement in passenger facilitation with the full deployment of its Simplified Declaration for Passenger Baggage Import System, cutting average baggage clearance time to less than five minutes.
The digital initiative, which is part of the Service’s broader drive to modernise customs operations, has also generated ₦10.34 million in revenue from passenger baggage declarations within its first few days of implementation.
Digital Clearance Process
The simplified declaration system allows passengers to initiate baggage declarations using mobile devices or complete the process at designated digital kiosks within the Command.
Through standardised and pre-programmed assessment tables, the system automatically calculates applicable duties on declared personal goods and generates receipts upon payment.
The process is designed to reduce manual intervention and discretionary assessment while giving passengers a more transparent, predictable and efficient means of clearing dutiable baggage.
The Command said the average passenger baggage clearance turnaround time since the deployment began has remained below five minutes, highlighting the potential of digital processing to improve border-crossing experiences.
₦10.34m Revenue Generated
Within the first few days of implementation, the Command generated ₦10,340,260.02 from passenger baggage declarations alone.
The automated process provides a direct and transparent channel for the collection of applicable duties into the Federation Account, while reducing delays associated with manual assessment and payment processes.
Facilitation With Stronger Enforcement
While improving the movement of legitimate passengers and goods, the Command said it is simultaneously strengthening enforcement to ensure that trade facilitation does not compromise border security or compliance with customs laws.
Through enhanced risk management and intelligence-led controls, officers continue to identify and intercept attempts to conceal commercial quantities of restricted or prohibited goods as passenger baggage.
The Command said the simplified baggage declaration system forms part of its broader efforts to modernise customs operations, improve the passenger experience and strengthen revenue collection through technology-driven processes.
It also pledged continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies operating along the Seme border corridor to facilitate legitimate travel and commerce while maintaining effective controls against smuggling and other forms of illicit cross-border trade.
Kaila Reaffirms Technology-Driven Customs
The Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, to deploying technology and innovative processes that promote trade facilitation, transparency, accountability and compliance at the nation’s borders.
Kaila encouraged passengers, cross-border traders and other members of the trading community to utilise the simplified declaration system and comply with applicable customs requirements.
He assured the public that legitimate travel and commerce would continue to receive the necessary facilitation within the framework of national security and economic protection.