Customs Deepens Digital Reforms, Launches MIS File Tracker at PTML to Boost Efficiency

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken another major step in its ongoing digital transformation agenda with the launch of the Management Information System (MIS) File Tracker at the PTML Area Command, reinforcing its commitment to technology-driven administration, faster documentation processing and improved service delivery.

The deployment, which begins as a pilot programme at the nation’s foremost Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) port, is expected to streamline internal administrative processes, reduce manual paperwork and strengthen operational efficiency across the Service.

Speaking at the launch, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, described the initiative as another significant milestone in the Service’s expanding modernisation programme.

According to him, the introduction of the MIS File Tracker underscores the NCS’s determination to deploy digital solutions that promote transparency, simplify administrative processes and facilitate seamless trade in line with global best practices.

According to a statement signed and made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Tsafe Abubakar, the CGC noted that the new platform forms part of a broader digital ecosystem designed to improve Customs operations, adding that it would serve as a Single Sign-On (SSO) enterprise application, enabling the use of a unified data set across all administrative departments within the Service.

Adeniyi explained that officers would now be able to process critical administrative functions—including leave and pass applications, file tracking, duty rosters, internal staff orders and nominal rolls—through a single integrated platform while also providing feedback for continuous improvement of the system.

He said the deployment would significantly enhance workflow management, minimise delays associated with manual processes and support data-driven decision-making across the Nigeria Customs Service.

Highlighting the choice of PTML as the pilot command, Adebakin observed that the command has consistently distinguished itself as one of the Service’s most technologically advanced formations and has remained the preferred testing ground for major Customs innovations, including the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu.

She expressed confidence that the command would once again justify its reputation as a centre of innovation by successfully implementing the new platform.Responding, the Acting Controller of PTML Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, assured the Customs management that officers at the command would ensure the successful rollout of the MIS File Tracker and position PTML as a benchmark for digital Customs administration.

Miko said the command remains committed to maximising every technology-driven trade facilitation initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General’s management.

He thanked the Customs leadership for its confidence in the command and disclosed that efforts were already underway to improve operational efficiency further by reducing the current two-hour clearance time for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off cargoes to just one hour.

Describing the MIS File Tracker as another bold innovation in the Service’s modernisation drive, the Acting Controller said its successful implementation would further consolidate the Nigeria Customs Service’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading Customs administrations.

He pledged that the PTML Command would justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring the project progresses smoothly from its pilot stage to full-scale implementation, thereby contributing to the Service’s vision of a faster, more transparent and technology-driven Customs administration.

More photos from the event below: