From Victor Edozie Port Harcourt
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone C, of the Nigeria Customs Services, ACG Kamal Mohammed has said that the automation of overtime cargo clearance system introduced by the Nigeria Customs will mark a turning point to the challenges of of manual paper works, bottlenecks, abandoned cargo, clearance process , trade facilitations and other economic activities at the port.
Kamal Mohammed who spoke through Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area 2, Onne, Rivers State, at a one day sensitization exercise on the automation of overtime cargo clearance system for consignee, Customs Brokers, terminal operators and Customs officers at Onne on Wednesday said that the new platform is a seamless process that facilities economic activities at the port with ease without physical presence .
He said that the platform accords port shareholders the opportunity to sit at their comfort zone and facilitate all the trade processes at the port.
He said that the initiative marks a new beginning to address the challenges of congestion, manuel paper works, bottlenecks and other obstacles encountered during trade facilitations at the port.
He said, “This initiative marks a turning point to our challenges, yes the challenges of congestion, manuel paper works, bottlenecks, abandoned cargo, and clearance process , trade facilitations, and economic activities.
” Today with the automated overtime cargo and disposal system awareness we have demonstrated that customs can be bold facilitator of trade and a guarantor of integrity. The important question is, what does this new system entail, number one is transparency, every action in this process stands because of the simplicity of the process.
” Stakeholders can now apply , track and receive approval online without unnecessary physical contact. There is going to be accountability in the process the officers and stakeholders alike are bound by the new rule. There is going to be efficiency on the system. Cargos can move smoothly and litigations will be reduced.
“All documents from application to the records are fully documented and automated. Most importantly this reform is backed by the Nigeria Customs Services act which provide the legal framework. For stakeholders in the sea weather you are in Bonny , Calabar, Port Harcourt or any other place this is an opportunity to embrace the chain.
“The new platforms allows you to manage your consignment from your offices , through your mobile phones. It removes the burden of endless letters, limits awaiting time.”.
He called on all the stakeholders in the maritime industry to familiarize themselves with the process and informed their teams to use the E-Platform effectively and engage with Customs officers constructively so that every issues will be resolved swiftly.
