By Anthony Nwachukwu
The ongoing Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is aimed at making the system safe and foolproof against cyber-attacks, the General Manager, Mr. Ahmed Ogunshola, has said.
Ogunsola explained that the system’s software, described as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), has seven layers of security built to resist cyber-attacks, “built with the latest security network gadgets to ensure its safety and integrity.”
According to him, the project, which has three phases, is a 20-year concession agreement signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government (represented by the NCS Board), and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd (TMP).
TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify and enhance stakeholders’ experience in the trade value chain, and it is expected to ease the payment of duties for export and import and clearance for release of goods.
Ogunshola, who disclosed that the project incorporates high-level security for its operations, explained: “We are operating seven layers of security in terms of the software to be deployed. We are working with one of the leading cybersecurity firms in the world to ensure the safety of the software.
“We are doing code level cybersecurity analysis of the software as well. Before any code written for the software is pushed in, it analyses and assesses it. We are working towards the ISO 27001 information security standard; that is the highest you can get in the world.”
He expressed confidence in the project’s cybersecurity framework and other measures to ensure the safety of the software, which are equally extended to its hardware and other reporting systems.
According to him, the UCMS, as an interactive platform, will help check fraudulent activities in trade operations, as traders can monitor all the processes with the software.
More so, “we have made significant progress with respect to the deliverables. We believe that by the end of the project, NCS will be a pride among its peers.
“This will bring Nigeria Customs fully into the 22nd Century to ensure that it earns its place among customs administrations around the world.”
On his part, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the media tour was meant to showcase the agency’s efforts in implementing the modernisation project, and to update the media and other stakeholders on customs’ efforts in facilitating ease of doing business through the project.
