Use e call up system to clear apapa port expert tells fg

A very timely and relevant topic!

The Apapa Port congestion has been a major concern in Nigeria, causing significant delays and losses for importers and exporters. To address this issue, the Federal Government has been advised to implement the Electronic Call-Up System (E-CALL UP) to clear the port congestion.

Here's a summary of the expert's advice:

The Problem: The Apapa Port, one of the busiest ports in Nigeria, has been experiencing congestion for several years, leading to delays, increased costs, and losses for importers and exporters. The congestion is caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate infrastructure, inefficient processes, and lack of coordination among stakeholders.

The Solution: The expert recommends the implementation of the Electronic Call-Up System (E-CALL UP) to clear the port congestion. E-CALL UP is a digital platform that allows importers and exporters to electronically submit their cargo manifests and obtain a call-up date for the release of their goods. This system aims to streamline the clearance process, reduce bureaucracy, and increase efficiency.

How E-CALL UP Works:

  1. Importers and exporters submit their cargo manifests electronically to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) through the E-CALL UP platform.
  2. The NCS reviews the manifests and assigns a call-up date for the release of the goods.
  3. The call-up date is communicated to the importers and exporters, who can then plan accordingly.
  4. On the assigned call-up date, the goods are released from the port, and the importers and exporters can collect their cargo.

Benefits of E-CALL UP:

  1. Increased Efficiency: E-CALL UP reduces the time spent on manual processing of cargo manifests, allowing for faster clearance of goods.
  2. Reduced Corruption: The electronic platform reduces the opportunity for corruption and bribery, as all transactions are recorded and transparent.
  3. Improved Transparency: E-CALL UP provides real-time updates on the status of cargo clearance, allowing importers and exporters to track their goods more easily.
  4. Increased Revenue: The system can help increase revenue for the government by reducing the time spent on clearance, which can lead to increased economic activity.

Implementation Plan: To ensure a successful implementation of E-CALL UP, the expert recommends the following steps:

  1. Conduct a thorough assessment of the current clearance process to identify areas for improvement.
  2. Develop a detailed implementation plan, including timelines and milestones.
  3. Provide training for customs officials and other stakeholders on the use of the E-CALL UP platform.
  4. Establish a helpdesk to provide support to importers and exporters who encounter issues with the system.
  5. Monitor the system's performance and make adjustments as needed.

By implementing E-CALL UP, the Federal Government can help clear the Apapa Port congestion, reduce delays and costs, and increase efficiency in the clearance process.