Just as Ghana Habours & Ports Authority achieved paperless port operations since September 5, this year, there are serious indications that Nigeria’s version will be live on or before the end of the year.
The portal tagged as Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), a trade facilitation tool is designed in partnership with other critical federal agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Business Hilights recalls that the NICIS platform was created to ensure trade facilitation as it allows businesses to be transacted electronically between Customs, importers, exporters, clearing agents and other government agencies.
Earlier on Friday last week, the managing director of NPA had at a conference in Lagos, disclosed that all is set for the seamless take of single window to drive smooth business activities at ports and ease of doing business.
Already, the Apapa Area Command’s Deputy Comptroller, Yusuf Gaya who doubles as Project Manager, Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), said the new system will reduce the time it takes to make clear cargo at the port.
According to him, “NICIS 2 is already being piloted in KLT, then it will go to Tin Can and Apapa Command will be used to round off the piloting exercise around November. So we can assure you that before the year runs out, NICIS 2 will be fully operational.”
Analysts say the effective take off of the platform will change certain narratives in port operations in the country.
