ATP: Customs Develops System for Cargo Movement, Diversion Control
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced the Automated Transire Process (ATP), an advanced system aimed at curbing cargo diversion, enhancing trade efficiency, and bolstering transparency in customs operations.
At a sensitization session held at the Apapa Area Command, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described the initiative as a major step toward securing Nigeria’s supply chain.
“This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency,” Orbih said.
Developed in-house by NCS ICT experts, the ATP will streamline customs clearance, enhance cargo tracking, and improve accountability. It features real-time monitoring capabilities that will significantly reduce cargo diversion risks and instill greater confidence among trade stakeholders.
“This system will make cargo processing faster, more transparent, and more secure. It will also benefit importers, exporters, and the entire logistics chain by providing seamless access to goods at ports and terminals,” Orbih explained.
Read Also:
Highlighting the long-term benefits of the ATP, ACG Zanna Gaji, who represented Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Kikelomo Adeola, emphasized that the system would minimize corruption, improve revenue collection, and ensure a predictable process for all stakeholders.
To ensure a smooth transition, the rollout will commence with a pilot phase at a bonded terminal, allowing for stakeholder engagement and real-world testing before full deployment.
“We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback. Their input is crucial in perfecting the process before nationwide deployment,” Gaji added.
During an interactive session, Area Controllers within Apapa and neighboring commands stressed the importance of integrating all relevant customs units into the system. Stakeholders also sought clarity on the official launch date and suggested refinements to align the system with operational realities.
In response, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Usman Abba, the team leader of the ATP development project, assured attendees that all necessary departments and commands would be integrated before full implementation.
With the ATP’s technology-driven approach, the NCS is setting a new standard in trade facilitation, ensuring faster clearance, improved security, and a more transparent customs process across Nigeria’s ports and terminals.
By PRNigeria
