Customs unveils automated excise register system to enhance efficiency, transparency
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially rolled out its Automated Excise Register System (ERS), designed to improve the monitoring and record-keeping of excise duties in the country.
This initiative comes after the conclusion of a successful pilot phase conducted between July and August 2025.
In an announcement on Thursday, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS public relations officer, stated that the ERS has gone live at three major factories: British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Plc in Oyo, International Tobacco Company (ITC) Limited in Kwara, and Leaf Tobacco & Commodities Nigeria Limited in Kaduna.
“Building on this progress, the Excise Register System has officially gone live at three key excise facilities across the country,” Maiwada said. “This is a crucial step towards building a more accountable and technology-driven excise administration framework.”
The activation of the ERS was the result of extensive field activities, including rigorous User Acceptance Testing (UAT), system validation, and comprehensive training for both Customs officers and factory staff.
The pilot phase reportedly achieved a 75 percent efficiency score, ensuring effective integration of production and reporting systems.
“With the commencement of live operations, all excise-related transactions at the three factories will now be managed exclusively through the ERS,” Maiwada added. “This includes recording production figures, computing excise duties, and generating statutory reports.”
The NCS emphasized that the new system aims to reduce reliance on manual documentation, eliminate inconsistencies in data reporting, and enhance overall transparency in the excise value chain.
Looking ahead, Maiwada highlighted that the insights gathered from the pilot phase will inform the system’s nationwide rollout, which is expected to extend to other industries, including beverages and spirits. He encouraged industry stakeholders to fully embrace the reform and contribute feedback as the system expands.
“The NCS is committed to establishing a stronger, more transparent excise system that promotes compliance and secures sustainable revenue for the federal government,” he concluded.
Source: TheCable
