At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, travellers saw customs officers introduce a new digital process.
The Nigeria Customs Service launched the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System, SCADS, to improve clearance.
Airport Launch Of SCADS System
They rolled out the system at the airport’s international wing under ongoing reform efforts.
In a statement, spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada explained that the system reduces delays and improves efficiency.
He said the platform simplifies how passengers declare baggage when arriving in Nigeria.
It also cuts long queues that arise from manual checks at busy terminals.
Moreover, it strengthens transparency in duty assessment and improves revenue collection nationwide.
Deputy Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin said SCADS advances the service’s digital transformation agenda.
She added that the team learned from earlier system challenges and built a stronger platform.
Consequently, passengers can submit declarations before arrival and speed up clearance.
This approach reduces waiting time and improves movement through customs checkpoints.
In addition, the system automatically calculates duties using declared items, quantity, and value.
Therefore, officers no longer rely on subjective judgement during assessments.
Instead, the system promotes consistent and data-driven decisions.
Abuja Pilot Phase Deployment
FCT Customs Area Controller Victoria Alibo welcomed Abuja as the pilot location.
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She noted that SCADS merges baggage and e-commerce declarations into one platform.
Furthermore, the design aligns Nigeria’s customs procedures with international standards.
The pilot phase runs from Ma y18 to 22, and teams will test the system in real time.
During this period, officers, technical experts, airport authorities, and agencies will evaluate performance.
Meanwhile, senior Customs officials and FAAN representatives attended the official launch.
Customs Revenue Growth Under AEO Programme
Beyond airport reforms, Customs reported strong gains under the Authorised Economic Operator programme.
Revenue rose from ₦1.222 trillion to ₦1.585 trillion.
As a result, the increase reached ₦362.79 billion across certified operators.
Additionally, the programme now contributes over 21 percent of total Customs revenue.
Finally, it supports faster clearance for compliant traders under global customs standards.