The Customs Comptroller General, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has expressed his delight with the automation efforts by agencies of the Federal Government desirous of perfecting operational processes in line with their mandates in the maritime industry.
Speaking through his representative at the Command Control Communication and Intelligence System launch, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Eporwei Charles Edike, Ali lauded the launch by the Nigerian Ports Authority of the CCCIS, which was commissioned by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
According to Edike, the automation of ports operational process by Federal Government agencies are in line with Government’s vision towards changing the old ways of doing business to modern, technology driven processes devoid of human interferences/manipulations.
This, he said, will save time, costs and reduce delays often caused by officials in a bid to be very thorough in their jobs.
In the words of the Zonal Coordinator: “The CCCIS is an additional effort and will enable the Nigerian Navy monitor midstream discharge of un-manifested cargo by vessels on Nigeria waters.
“Movement of vessels will also be monitored with greater precision to avoid loss of revenue by the federal government.”
The Nigeria Customs believes that the CCCIS will complement other automations already installed and being used by other agencies like the Nigerian Navy, which has been assisting Customs on vessel monitoring within Nigerian waters.
Other agencies to benefit from the usage include the Standards Organization of Nigeria and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
The Shippers Council as port economic regulator is also making efforts at automation that will improve sea port operations.
Edike stated: “By the time all these systems are fully integrated, port services will become seamless, highly efficient.
“Revenue leakage will also reduce drastically.”
Though each Federal Government agency has its mandate and specific duties, the CCCIS is a welcome development by the Nigeria Customs Service, Edike said.
Edike described it as a technological tool deployed by the NPA for improved maritime operations across the country.
He noted that all citizens should be proud of the initiative and support it.
The ACG also called for greater collaboration and synergy between the Federal Government agencies as they strive to actualize the dictates of their respective mandates.
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