The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has introduced a digital baggage declaration system that has cut passenger clearance time to less than five minutes while generating ₦10.34 million in revenue within its first few days.
The new Simplified Declaration for Passenger Baggage Import system is part of the Service’s ongoing digital transformation drive aimed at making passenger clearance faster, more transparent and efficient at the Seme border.
Under the new arrangement, passengers can declare their baggage using their mobile devices or access designated digital kiosks at the Command.
The automated platform uses standardised assessment tables to determine applicable duties on dutiable personal goods, calculate payments and issue receipts once payment is completed.
The Command said the system has reduced manual processes and discretionary assessments, giving passengers a more transparent and predictable process for clearing their goods.
₦10.34m Revenue in Days
The Seme Area Command disclosed that it generated ₦10,340,260.02 in revenue from passenger baggage declarations within the first few days of the system’s implementation.
The Command said the automated process provides a direct and transparent channel for collecting duties payable into the Federation Account.
Beyond revenue generation, Customs said the major impact of the initiative has been the reduction in the time required to clear passenger baggage, with the average turnaround time now standing at under five minutes.
Digital System, Tougher Enforcement
While simplifying the clearance process, the Command said it would not compromise border security or allow the system to be exploited by smugglers.
It said enhanced risk management and intelligence-led controls were being used to identify attempts to conceal commercial quantities of restricted or prohibited goods as passenger baggage.
The Command stressed that trade facilitation would continue alongside strict enforcement of customs laws.
Kaila: Technology Will Drive Border Facilitation
The Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, to deploying technology and innovative processes to improve customs operations.
Kaila urged passengers, cross-border traders and other members of the trading community to embrace 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 of people and goods while maintaining effective controls against smuggling and other forms of illicit cross-border trade.
The Command also pledged continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders operating along the Seme border corridor to strengthen border management and improve the overall passenger experience.
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