MORE THAN 100,000 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN DISPLACED BY THE LATEST ESCALATION IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, UNICEF SAID ON SUNDAY, WARNING THE NUMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE AS VIOLENCE SPREADS.(PHOTO).

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 More than 100,000 children have been displaced by the latest escalation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UNICEF said on Sunday, warning the numbers are expected to rise as violence spreads. Since Dec. 1, intense fighting has uprooted more than 500,000 people, with children accounting for over 100,000 of those displaced in South Kivu alone, the UN agency said in a statement released Sunday. It said since Dec. 2, hundreds have been killed in the fighting, and children have been among the victims, with four students killed, six injured, and at least seven schools attacked or damaged. The rapid escalation has forced hundreds of thousands of children and families to flee within Congo and into neighboring Burundi and Rwanda, it added. Many people fleeing the violence have crossed into Burundi, with over 50,000 new arrivals reported between Dec. 6 and 11, nearly half of them children, UNICEF said, adding that the numbers are expected to rise as more displaced are identified. “Chi...

NCS SET TO INTRODUCE AUTOMATED TRANSIRE PROCESS, SENSITISES OFFICERS, STAKEHOLDERS. (PHOTOS ). #PRESS RELEASE.


 Nigeria Customs Set to Introduce Automated Transire Process, Sensitises Officers, Stakeholders


The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an Automated Transire Process (ATP), a system designed to enhance trade efficiency, minimise delays, and curb cargo diversion.


Speaking at a sensitisation session at Apapa Area Command on Thursday, 10 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, described the initiative as a transformative development for the NCS.


He stated, “This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.”


He further explained that the Automated Transire Process, developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance times, enhance tracking capabilities, and improve accountability.


ACG Orbih emphasised that real-time tracking and data transparency would mitigate the risks associated with cargo diversion while boosting stakeholders' confidence in the system.


He added that faster access to goods at ports and terminals would benefit importers, exporters, and all players in the logistics chain.


Reflecting on the initiative's origins, the Zonal Coordinator recalled that the automation project stemmed from a directive issued during last year’s CGC conference, where the ICT/Modernisation Department was tasked with automating the transfer process by the first quarter of 2025. This milestone has now been achieved.


The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, represented by ACG Zanna Gaji, further outlined the project's benefits.


He remarked, “This system will enhance efficiency and transparency, improve revenue collection, and minimise opportunities for corruption by ensuring a fair and predictable process.”


He noted that the automation would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade and promote international best practices.


ACG Gaji stressed that the rollout would be gradual, beginning with a user acceptance test and a pilot phase at one of the bonded terminals.


 “We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback,” he stated.


During the feedback session, Area Controllers within the Apapa environs underscored the importance of incorporating all relevant units and addressing the absence of a watchlist feature.


Stakeholders also sought clarification on the official launch date and requested adjustments to align the system more effectively with operational requirements.


In response, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Usman Abba, the team leader of the ATP development project, assured attendees that the system would be fully integrated with all relevant units, departments, and commands before full implementation.

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