Abuja, June 5, 2026 — Experts have applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS) at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
SCADS, unveiled by the NCS on May 18, is designed to improve passenger clearance procedures, strengthen compliance, and streamline customs operations at Nigeria’s entry points.
The digital platform enables inbound international passengers to declare baggage electronically, with the aim of reducing manual processing delays, improving transparency in duty assessment, and enhancing efficiency across airports.
The Customs Service also announced a five-day pilot phase to test the system in real-time operations before its full nationwide rollout.
A customs expert, Mr Okey Ibeke, described the initiative as well-timed and practical, noting that its deployment at the Abuja airport reflects a strategic approach to resolving long-standing clearance challenges.
He said the system has the potential to curb corruption and reduce waiting time for travellers if properly implemented, supported with adequate infrastructure and strict accountability for officers handling declarations.
According to him, sustained investment in staff training and operational monitoring will be key to achieving the full benefits of the platform.
In a similar reaction, the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) described SCADS as a major step toward modernising customs operations and improving passenger facilitation.
The Head of Research at SEREC, Dr Eugene Nweke, said the system is a trade facilitation and border management tool aimed at improving clearance efficiency while encouraging voluntary compliance.
He explained that the platform strengthens risk management and enhances operational effectiveness through advance electronic declarations and intelligence-based processing.
Nweke commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs for driving ongoing reforms through digital innovation aimed at aligning Nigeria’s border processes with global standards.
He added that SCADS forms part of a broader customs digital framework and would be most effective when integrated with existing systems, including the Customs One Stop Shop and the National Single Window initiative.
According to him, stronger interoperability among customs and trade platforms would help eliminate duplication of processes, improve data accuracy, support intelligence sharing, and ensure coordinated border management.
He noted that as Nigeria moves toward a fully integrated trade environment, systems like SCADS would play a key role in improving passenger experience, boosting compliance, strengthening security, and increasing revenue performance.