Customs unveils digital declaration platform to end delays at airports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday launched a new automated passenger clearance system at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a move to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve transparency in revenue assessment and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s international airports.

The Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS) was officially inaugurated as a pilot project at the airport’s international wing.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the deployment marks another major step in the Service’s digital transformation agenda.

Adebakin said the initiative became necessary following operational challenges encountered on the Service’s previous passenger declaration platform earlier this year.

She stressed that, rather than allow the setbacks to slow operations, the Service chose to develop a stronger, more efficient alternative.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” she said.

According to her, the newly introduced SCADS platform allows passengers to declare items before arrival, thereby reducing clearance time while improving compliance and operational integrity.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she added.

The DCG further explained that the system will eliminate subjective revenue assessment by ensuring that duties are automatically generated based on declared items, their quantities, and their actual values.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue.

“With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she stated.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, described the selection of the Command for the pilot phase as a vote of confidence in its operational capacity.

She disclosed that the pilot phase will run for five days, from Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22, 2026, during which officers will evaluate the system in a live environment ahead of nationwide deployment.