ICTs, key to revamping Customs sector

By Kelvin Nembo Njuhsop

Fongod Edwin Nuvaga

At a time when everything is soon becoming digital thanks to the numerous advantages brought by Information and Communication Technology, ICTs; the Director General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga have pledge that the Customs Department should diligently scale up their performance through the use of ICTs. 
    He made the declaration at the courtyard of the Yaounde City Council during a two-day open door which was organised within the context of the World Customs Day observed worldwide on January 26, 2016 under the theme, “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.”
    According to the Customs boss, the decision to digitising the sector is based on the numerous advantages it will enjoy through enhancing the use of Information and Communication Technologies in the mobilisation of State revenue to trigger results. 
    To Finance Minister, Alamine Ousmane Mey, it will be a breakthrough for Cameroon Customs Administration and its collaborators if they work in synergy to promote the use of ICTs as a barometer to develop and accelerate cross-border trade.

    Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey said the integration of ICTs in Cameroon Customs Administration is intended to enhance the sector and improve on the modernisation process made in recent years. For instance securing transit operations via the geo-localisation of goods, the extension of the Automated System of Customs Data, as well as the digital interconnection of customs agencies. 
    Taking into consideration that major successes will be attained: upgrading, vulgarisation and dematerialisation of transactions thanks to ICTs, the Minister stressed the need to interconnect customs systems with countries using Cameroon’s coastline.
    At a time when the Customs Department is expected to raise FCFA 750 billion for the State coffers in 2016 as against FCFA 693 billion last year, the Director General of Customs stressed the need for enterprises to embrace ICTs which will go a long way to enable the sector becomes fully digital thus time saving, fall in the cost and increase profits.