Customs Launches New Digital System to Curb Airport Clearance Delays

The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced a new digital declaration platform at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, aimed at reducing clearance delays and improving passenger compliance.

The Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System allows inbound international passengers to declare their baggage before arrival, enabling faster clearance and smoother movement through the airport.

Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the new system was developed after an earlier passenger declaration platform encountered operational challenges. Rather than slow operations, the service chose to build a more efficient alternative.

Adebakin explained that the platform eliminates subjective revenue assessment by automatically generating duties based on declared items, their quantities and actual values. She described the system as more objective, accurate and data-driven.

The Federal Capital Territory Customs Area Controller, Victoria Alibo, noted that the command was selected for the pilot phase as a vote of confidence in its operational capacity. She said the platform integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital framework aligned with global customs standards.

The pilot phase is running for five days, from May 18 to May 22, 2026, after which the system will be evaluated for nationwide deployment.

The launch was attended by senior customs officers, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, partner agencies and other stakeholders in aviation and border management.