By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has commenced the full operation of its Simplified Declaration for Passenger Baggage Import system as part of efforts to improve border clearance, facilitate legitimate travel and strengthen revenue collection.
The digital initiative allows passengers to initiate baggage declarations using mobile devices or designated digital kiosks at the Command.
Under the new system, standardized and pre-programmed assessment tables are used to assess declared personal goods, with applicable duties calculated automatically. Upon payment, the system generates receipts, reducing manual processes and limiting discretionary assessment.
The Seme Area Command said the new system has significantly improved the speed of passenger baggage clearance, with an average turnaround time of less than five minutes since its deployment.
Within the first few days of implementation, the Command generated ₦10,340,260.02 from passenger baggage declarations alone.
According to the Command, the automated process provides a direct and transparent channel for collecting duties payable to the Federation Account while making the clearance process more predictable for passengers and cross-border traders.
The deployment is also being accompanied by strengthened enforcement measures to ensure that improved trade facilitation does not undermine border security or compliance with customs laws.
Through enhanced risk management and intelligence-led controls, the Command said it continues to identify and intercept attempts to conceal commercial quantities of restricted or prohibited goods as passenger baggage.
The Command further stated that the simplified baggage declaration system forms part of the NCS’s broader programme to modernise customs operations, improve passenger experience and enhance revenue collection through technology-driven processes.
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 Nigeria’s borders.
Kaila encouraged passengers, cross-border traders and other members of the trading community to use the simplified declaration system and comply with applicable customs requirements.
He assured legitimate travellers and businesses that the Command would continue to facilitate lawful movement while maintaining effective controls against smuggling and other forms of illicit cross-border trade.
