Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to End Airport Delays

Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to End Airport Delays

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has officially launched the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System,  SCADS, at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a move aimed at improving passenger clearance, compliance and Customs operations.

The platform, designed to simplify baggage declaration for inbound international passengers, is expected to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve transparency in revenue assessment and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s international airports.

Speaking at the official launch, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the deployment marks another major step in the Service’s digital transformation agenda under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

DCG Adebakin said the initiative became necessary following operational challenges encountered on the Service’s previous passenger declaration platform earlier this year, stressing that, rather than allow the setbacks to slow operations, the Service chose to develop a stronger, more efficient alternative.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” she said.

According to her, the newly introduced SCADS platform allows passengers to declare items before arrival, thereby reducing clearance time while improving compliance and operational integrity.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she added.

The DCG further explained that the system will eliminate subjective revenue assessment by ensuring that duties are automatically generated based on declared items, their quantities, and their actual values.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she stated.

She commended officers of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Unit, members of the deployment team and technical partners whose efforts made the pilot rollout possible.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, described the selection of the Command for the pilot phase as a vote of confidence in its operational capacity.

She said the new platform integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital framework designed to support global Customs best practices.

“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Comptroller Alibo said.

She disclosed that the pilot phase will run for five days, from Monday, 18 May to Friday, 22 May 2026, during which officers will evaluate the system in a live environment ahead of nationwide deployment.

The pilot launch of SCADS was attended by senior Customs officers, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, partner government agencies, technical teams and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and border management ecosystem.

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NIMASA, HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY EXPLORES LOCAL HYDROGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS

NIMASA, HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY EXPLORES LOCAL HYDROGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS 

Caption: Director General and Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Hydrographer of the Federation; Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, during a meeting at the NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.

 

Bisi Akingbade 

The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the National Hydrographic Agency are exploring avenues to enhance the use and patronage of locally developed nautical charts and other hydrographic communication tools as part of efforts to advance maritime safety in Nigeria.

This formed the thrust of deliberations when the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, paid a working visit to the management of NIMASA.

While commending the management of NIMASA for its commitment to maritime safety and development, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi assured the Agency of the National Hydrographic Agency’s continuous cooperation in the provision of hydrographic services to Nigeria’s maritime sector. He noted that increased compliance with locally generated hydrographic information would improve navigational safety, maritime security, and the effective management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

According to him, “Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. Strengthening collaboration between the National Hydrographic Agency and NIMASA will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime domain.”

In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the Agency is focused on strengthening Maritime Safety Information infrastructure, enhancing enforcement strategies, and promoting continuous capacity building to improve hydrographic services in Nigeria. He added that collaboration with the National Hydrographic Agency is central to achieving these goals.

Mobereola said, “At NIMASA, we recognize that effective collaboration among maritime institutions is essential to achieving safer and more efficient waterways. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen maritime safety, improve operational standards, and enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.”

The collaboration between both agencies is expected to further strengthen maritime administration and support NIMASA’s statutory mandate of ensuring safety of navigation and shipping in line with the provisions of the NIMASA Act, particularly through the deployment and enforcement of accurate and up-to-date navigational charts essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.

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CUSTOMS, NSCDC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FORGE STRONGER SECURITY SYNERGY IN OYO STATE

CUSTOMS, NSCDC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FORGE STRONGER SECURITY SYNERGY IN OYO STATE

Bisi Akingbade 

The Acting Customs Area Controller  Oyo/Osun Area Command DC Wale Moses Adewole, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthened inter-agency collaboration following a series of courtesy visits to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Oyo State.

 The courtesy engagements, led by the Acting Customs Area Controller, were aimed at fostering stronger institutional relationships and enhancing operational synergy among the sister security agencies in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

According to the press statement issued by the Assistant Superintendent of Customs Command Public Relations Officer, Oyo/Osun Area Command,  

Abdulmalik Akintola highlighted that during the visits, DC Adewole emphasized that effective national security management requires sustained cooperation, mutual support, and intelligence sharing among relevant government agencies. He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to working closely with sister agencies to combat smuggling, secure national borders, and promote lawful trade.

He further stated that the visits were part of the Command’s broader strategy to consolidate existing partnerships and build stronger channels of communication for coordinated responses to security challenges within Oyo and Osun States.

The leadership of both the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Correctional Service commended the initiative and reiterated their readiness to sustain cordial working relationships with the Nigeria Customs Service in pursuit of shared national objectives.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command maintains that inter-agency cooperation remains vital to achieving effective security administration and ensuring the protection of government interests and the public.

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President Tinubu Charts Africa’s Blue Economy Future, Says Piracy Eliminated in Nigerian Waters

President Tinubu Charts Africa’s Blue Economy Future, Says Piracy Eliminated in Nigerian Waters

NIGERIA PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Africa must move from “sea blindness” to “ocean sovereignty,” positioning maritime governance and security as the foundation for unlocking the continent’s blue economy potential.

Speaking at the High-Level Roundtable on Maritime Sovereignty and Ocean Governance during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria had transformed its maritime strategy from one focused largely on threats to one centred on economic opportunity, regional security and investment.

“For too long, ‘sea blindness’ has meant that we have looked upon the vast waters under our jurisdiction as voids, or simply as sources of threat,” the President said. “Nigeria is here to tell a different story: our maritime domain is a sovereign territory, and its governance must be asserted, resourced, and institutionalised.”

The President also said that piracy incidents had been eliminated within Nigerian waters following sustained investments in maritime security infrastructure under the country’s Deep Blue Project.

He said the initiative deployed an integrated network of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including command-and-control centres, special mission vessels, fast intervention boats and aerial platforms.

“The global maritime community has acknowledged the elimination of piracy incidents within Nigerian waters and the substantial reduction of attacks across the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

The President said maritime sovereignty is an economic imperative for Africa’s future, insisting that secure sea lanes and predictable regulation were necessary conditions for attracting private capital into the blue economy.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent institutional reforms, including the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as proof that ocean governance had become a central pillar of state policy. 

President Tinubu called for deeper regional coordination across the Gulf of Guinea, warning that maritime crime cannot be effectively tackled by countries acting in isolation.

“As we endorse the Nairobi Declaration, Nigeria affirms that maritime sovereignty and ocean governance are the non-negotiable foundations of Africa’s Blue Economy transformation,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by urging African states to treat ocean governance as a generational responsibility, declaring that “the oceans have no duplicate as a common heritage of mankind.”

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Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda at Africa Forward Summit

Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda at Africa Forward Summit

CAPTION

L-R: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; former Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday.

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, showcased Nigeria’s Blue Economy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Blue Economy — Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorization.”

The summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance discussions on innovation, economic growth and strategic partnerships across the continent. The panel session also featured the French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other distinguished maritime stakeholders from across Africa.

The landmark summit, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, was held under the theme “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” 

Nigeria’s President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined fellow African leaders at the event, which has been widely regarded as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations, particularly as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.

In the press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola stated that 

the Federal Government has continued to implement deliberate measures aimed at unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy resources, including the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023. Since its establishment, the Ministry has recorded notable milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a strategic framework for sustainable sectoral growth.

Agencies under the Ministry have also achieved record revenue performance, generating N1.83 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year. In addition, the Federal Government has approved a comprehensive port modernization and upgrade programme expected to attract larger vessels, expand employment opportunities and reinforce Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime hub for West and Central Africa.

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NCS Reinforces Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Through Sensitisation Programme

NCS Reinforces Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Through Sensitisation Programme

Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reinforced its commitment to combating illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through a sensitization programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT,  held at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The engagement, held on Monday, 4 May 2026, formed part of the Service’s first-quarter operational review meeting and training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit, focusing on enhancing capacity, promoting ethical standards and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking during the session, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and Nigeria’s broader financial and security framework.

He noted that the impact of the Unit extends beyond seaports, airports and border stations, adding that its achievements over the past year have positioned it as a critical component in safeguarding the nation’s financial system.

ACG Shuaibu also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, noting that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now globally functional, enabling seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion.

“This is a major milestone. Nigerians can now travel and use their cards anywhere in the world, with transactions reflecting the local currency. This is a significant achievement for the nation,” he said.

He further emphasised that postings to the AML/CFT Unit should be seen as opportunities for career growth and capacity development, rather than punitive assignments, while also referencing ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align operations with global best practices.

Also speaking, the Ag. Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism and discipline in the discharge of duties.

“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.

He urged officers to continually build their capacity through training and to demonstrate leadership by example, while maintaining high standards of punctuality, fairness and professionalism.

Sunusi also highlighted the need for effective collaboration and conflict resolution within the Service, noting that strong internal synergy is essential for operational success.

Participants were advised to remain vigilant, maintain high morale and carry out their duties without bias. They were also cautioned against the unauthorised sharing of sensitive information and urged to adhere strictly to established communication protocols.

The session featured a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar on service correspondence, where officers were guided on its importance and application in official communication.

In his remarks, National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes, noting that illicit activities are increasingly shifting into digital and virtual spaces.

He explained that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, identifying operational gaps and improving communication between field officers and management.

Salihu emphasised that sensitisation remains a key strategy in tackling financial crimes, urging officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.

He commended participants for their engagement and appreciated the management of the Service for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.

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WISTA Nigeria: Ani Secures Second Term, Sets Agenda for Women’s Visibility, Capacity Building, Impact

WISTA Nigeria: Ani Secures Second Term, Sets Agenda for Women’s Visibility, Capacity Building, Impact

Women in Shipping and Trading Association, Nigeria, WISTA, has re elected Dr Odunayo Ani as president for a second term.

Her re-election followed the association’s annual general meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.

Ani spoke with journalists on Saturday, describing the renewed mandate as a call to greater service.

“I stand before you with gratitude, humility, and renewed determination. To be re-elected is not merely an honour, it is a responsibility,” Ani said.

She thanked the association’s Diamonds, executive members, and supporters for their confidence in her leadership.

“I appreciate your trust and your belief in our shared vision,” she said.

Ani recalled that members first entrusted her with leadership two years ago.

She said their decision to return her strengthened her commitment to the association’s mission.

“Your confidence remains the wind in my sails. I do not take this renewed support lightly,” she said.

Ani credited the administration’s achievements to committed Diamonds, members and dependable executive officers.

She said members consistently gave their time, ideas, and resources to collective programmes.

According to her, teamwork remained central to the association’s growth and influence.

Ani highlighted policy advocacy as one of the administration’s major accomplishments.

She also cited mentorship programmes for young women cadets across the maritime sector.

Ani said the association amplified Nigeria’s voice within the international WISTA community.

She said: “None of these achievements happened by chance. They happened because members showed up, spoke up, and stayed committed.”

Ani said the maritime industry was changing rapidly across global markets.

She identified digitalisation as a major transformation shaping the sector. She also pointed to decarbonisation and diversity as emerging priorities.

According to her, these developments require strategic and inclusive leadership.

Ani said her second term would focus on visibility, capacity, and impact.

“We will ensure Nigerian women are visible across the maritime industry,” she said.

She said women must be represented in boardrooms, ports, vessels, and policy discussions.

Ani promised expanded training and stronger institutional partnerships.

She said the WISTA mentorship hub would support emerging female professionals.

“Training will prepare more women for global competition,” she said, pledging stronger advocacy for gender inclusive maritime policies.

She said younger women must find opportunities and confidence within the industry.

“To every young lady, there is space for you here,” Ani said.

She called on regulators, stakeholders, and male allies to sustain support.

“Progress in maritime is not only a women’s agenda. It is Nigeria’s agenda, and we must move together,” she said.

Ani said her administration achieved measurable growth during its first tenure.

She disclosed that membership increased by 261 between March 2024 and March 2026.

According to her, the growth reflected the association’s expanding relevance.

Ani said WISTA Nigeria participated in major industry consultations and conferences.

She mentioned engagements with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

She also cited customs consultative roundtables and advocacy initiatives.

Ani said the association marked Seafarers Day annually with Nigerian seafarers.

She said members aligned with global themes promoting safety and welfare.

Ani highlighted youth advocacy and educational outreach under corporate social responsibility programmes.

She said members promoted ocean economy awareness and maritime technology education.

The association also worked with regional women’s maritime organisations.

Ani said WISTA Nigeria strengthened international visibility through global engagements.

She cited participation in conferences in Cyprus, Barcelona, and Cape Town.

According to her, the association also secured representation on international committees.

She reports WISTA Nigeria is preparing to host the WISTA Africa Conference in Lagos. The conference is scheduled for June.

Members observed a minute’s silence for departed leaders and relatives.

Presiding over the swearing-in of the new executive, who were elected unopposed, WISTA Diamond Rollens Macfoy, popularly known as the Mother of Seafarers, advised the executive, headed by Dr Odunayo Ani, on strategies to make the association formidable regionally, locally, and internationally.

Macfoy said other executives include Edidiong Akpanebe Sola-Abalo, Vice President; Lilian Mac-Jaja Nneji, General Secretary; Hanna Adaba, Treasurer; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Public Relations Officer; Oluwatoyin Oyeleke, Assistant Secretary; and Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer.

The new executive officers were returned unopposed during the elections.

The position of assistant public relations officer, however, remains vacant.

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