The Comptroller-Gen-eral  of Customs, Mr Abdullahi Dikko, has said the company has commenced the use of automated system for manifest declaration and payments.

Dikko told newsmen recently in Abuja that the new process which would be operated electronically would enhance speedy clearance of cargos at ports.

 “We do not need up to 48 hours to clear cargos at the ports.

“ As far as Customs clearance is concerned, one does not need 48 hours before cargo gets out of customs clearance if one has proper documentation,’’ Dikko said.

 He said the Federal Government, having listened to the demands of Nigerians had approved the lifting of bans on most items.

“I believe with this, patronage at Nigeria ports is going to be high. 

“As you all know some items were not really banned but with what we have now we have automated our system, things are done electronically, so we need less man-power at the ports,” the Customs chief added.

On smuggling activities across the nation’s borders, he said:  “we are doing everything within our powers to eliminate smuggling.

“Earlier, we had acquired two helicopters and just acquired 360 Hilux Toyota  vans  and we are waiting for the cameras,’’ Dikko said.

He said that the cameras would give information on how to locate smugglers at the borders and would also give direct contact with the helicopters.

“We are going to do our best with these vehicles and this measure will reduce the  personnel in the ports, so we have a larger number of officers that will mount our borders.

“I assure you that we are really going to cordon off a large area of our borders,” Dikko added.