The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced full automation of its Excise Register System (ERS), marking a major step in its ongoing trade modernisation agenda.
Following months of preparation, the Service recently concluded the pilot phase of the project, which involved rigorous user acceptance testing, system validation, and practical training for both Customs officers and excise factory personnel.
In a statement signed by the national public relation officer of the service Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, reveals that, the new system has officially gone live at three key facilities — British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) PLC in Oyo State, International Tobacco Company (ITC) Limited in Kwara State, and Leaf Tobacco & Commodities Nigeria Ltd in Kaduna State. These factories were deliberately chosen as pilot sites due to their strategic importance in the excise sector.
Conducted between July and August 2025, the pilot phase achieved notable results, including a 75 per cent efficiency score during testing at BATN, successful integration of production and reporting systems, and strengthened collaboration between Customs and factory management.
With live operations now underway, all excise-related transactions at the three factories — from production recording to duty computation and statutory reporting — will be handled exclusively through the ERS. The system is designed to reduce manual paperwork, eliminate data inconsistencies, and improve transparency across the excise value chain.According to NCS, insights from the pilot will guide a nationwide rollout, with future phases set to cover other excise-regulated industries such as beverages, spirits, and additional manufacturing sectors. Officials emphasised that the ERS is a central feature of the broader Trade Modernisation Project aimed at building a more accountable and technology-driven excise administration.
The Service has urged industry operators and stakeholders to support the reform and provide constructive feedback as the system expands, noting that a robust digital framework will enhance compliance, boost efficiency, and ensure sustainable revenue growth for the Federal Government.
