Customs modernisation project secured against cyber attacks — Official

By Seun Ibiyemi

The General Manager, Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ahmed Ogunshola, said the project is built foolproof against cyber-attacks.

The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

The project, which has three phases, is a 20-year concession agreement, expected to ease export and import clearances in paying duties and obtaining releases of goods.

 It was, however, signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the TMP.

However, speaking to journalists, Ogunsola said the TMP is built with latest security network gadgets to ensure its safety and integrity.

According to him, the system’s software, described as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), has seven layers of security built to resist cyber attacks

He further stated that the project was incorporating a high level of security for its operations.

“We are operating seven layers of security in terms of building the software to be deployed. We are working with one of the leading cyber security firms in the world to ensure the safety of the software.

“We are doing code level cyber security analysis of the software as well. Before any code that is written for the software is pushed into the software, 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 said.

He expressed confidence in its cybersecurity framework and other security measures put in place to ensure the safety of the software.

He added that the measures were also extended to its hardware and other reporting systems, to guarantee their safety.

According to him, the UCMS is an interactive platform that will help in checking fraudulent activities in trade operations, as traders can monitor all the processes using the software.”

“We have made significant progress with respect to the deliverables of the project. 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 of pride among customs administrations around the world,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said that the service is poised at implementing its modernisation project.

He said that the move was to update the media and other stakeholders on the efforts of NCS in facilitating ease of doing business through the project.

“The goal is to improve efficiency in services,” he declared.