During the inauguration of the Project Management Office in
Abuja, Ali expressed his delight at the project, which aimed to fully automate
the NCS. He explained that the project was established to improve the processes
of the service and eliminate corruption. The project was handled by Trade
Modernisation Project Limited.
“Today we are witnessing the state of the art technology.
“So, it is with pride that we reflect on the journey we
embarked upon since 2015,” he said.
Ali stated that the NCS chose automation because it has
numerous benefits, including driving efficiency, transparency, and
effectiveness. The project would enable the NCS to adapt to changing market
dynamics, automate operations, and unlock revenue to contribute to the economic
growth and wellbeing of Nigerians. Despite the challenges encountered in
actualizing the project, the comptroller-general said that they persevered.
He said “The inauguration is a celebration of NCS ‘
determination, resilience and foresight.
“Every step that has been taken has been a testament to our
commitment to embracing the power of digitisation.”
On concerns that adopting the technology would reduce use of
manpower, Ali said such assertion was unfounded.
Ali mentioned that the modernization of the NCS would enable
the service to recruit more personnel. He explained that the project would
require a lot of manpower to cover the borders effectively and ensure the
security of the people. He emphasised the need to be in line with global
practices.
Chairman, TMPL, Mr Saleh Ahmadu, stated the project would
“invest $3.2 billion over a 20 year period.
He mentioned that the investment would generate over $200
billion in revenue. He explained that the financing for the first stage of the
project was $300 million, which was secured through financial partners.
Additionally, there was a cash-backed $9 million performance fund.
Ahmadu stated that capacity building was one of the
priorities of the project, and a substantial part of the project would be
invested in building the capacity of staff.
According to NAN, the e-customs project was approved by the
Federal Executive Council on April 20, and it was to be implemented by Bergman
Securities Consultant and Suppliers Limited as the project sponsor.
Africa Finance Corporation and UFC would serve as the lead
financiers, while Huawei Technologies would be trained as the lead technical
service provider.
The concessionaire had provided the government with $9
million (N4.135 billion) in security for the satisfactory performance of the project.
The concessionaire had also executed the depth facility tensions of $300
million (N138 billion) to finance the first phase of the project.
The former minister explained that the revenue sharing
arrangement was 45 per cent of accruals to the comprehensive input service
scheme going to the concessionaire and 55 per cent going to the Federal
Government.
Five per cent of what accrues goes to the Nigerian
Responsible Action Scheme and 75 per cent to the Federal Government. NAN