Capacity Building Program in the Nigeria Customs Service and Trade

FACILITATION MEASURES BY THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

1. Introduction

The capacity building program in the Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] is aimed at transforming the Service into a modern organization that is capable of service delivery based on international standards. The international standards include trade facilitation measures currently under negotiations at the World Trade Organization [WTO] Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland. 

2. Membership and Obligation to Implement the WTO Agreements

Nigeria as a Member of the WTO [ratified the WTO Agreements in December 1994] is participating in the ongoing WTO negotiations on trade facilitation and under an obligation to implement the Agreement when it is finalized and signed by Members, including Nigeria. The implementation commitment by Nigeria is the link between the capacity building agenda in the NCS and the WTO measures.

3. Capacity to Implement Agreement

Because the WTO trade facilitation measures under negotiations are mostly customs- related, the NCS will implement the Agreement in Nigeria. It is therefore reasonable to establish whether the NCS is capable of the task ahead? In other words, the question arises, whether the capacity building program in the NCS is relevant to the WTO trade facilitation measures? A review below of the trade facilitation measures under implementation by the NCS reflects that the Service is capable of implementing most of the WTO measures on trade facilitation while effort is ongoing to build further capacity.

4. WTO Trade Facilitation Measures under Negotiations at the WTO

The most recent document guiding discussions of the WTO Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation [NGTF], which Nigeria is a member and participates through representations by the Nigerian Trade Office in Geneva and NCS Headquarters, Abuja, is the Draft Consolidated Negotiating Text reference number TN/TF/W/165/Rev.11 dated October 2011. Article 7 of this document is titled “Release and Clearance of Goods”. This article provides for basic instruments for release and clearance of goods with specific proposals that are based on international standards.  The proposals under Article 7 are directly linked to the trade facilitation measures that have been adopted by the NCS. These proposals are;

i. Pre-arrival Processing: Negotiating proposal requires Members to introduce procedures allowing traders to submit import documentation and other required information to Customs and other relevant border agencies prior to the arrival of the goods, where appropriate. NCS allows pre-arrival processing through submission of advanced manifest by shipping companies, electronic declaration and e-payment and by the trader.

ii. Separation of Release from Final Determination and Payment of Customs Duties, Taxes and Fees: Proposal requires that where regulatory requirements have been complied with and inspection or examination of the goods is not considered necessary, the goods shall be released immediately upon payment of customs duties and taxes. NCS adopts procedures that allow release of goods considered not necessary for inspection or examination immediately after payment of customs duties and taxes. Based on documentary examination, goods that comply with regulatory requirements are directed to appropriate exit channel and released without examination.

iii. Risk Assessment/Analysis: Proposal requires Members to conduct examination based on risk management in connection with importation, exportation and transit for facilitating the movement of low risk goods. The simplified clearance procedure with advanced electronic requirements enables the NCS to undertake risk assessment on all cargo at an early stage of clearance to identify high-risk cargo for isolation from low-risk cargo. This enhances trade facilitation through fast tracking and selection of appropriate clearance channel as follows;

• Green – consignment is released automatically.

• Blue – consignment is released. May conduct documentary post clearance audit check in future.

• Yellow – documentary check at Customs Processing Centre (CPC) and if the officer is satisfied the cargo is released, otherwise routed for physical examination.

• Red – scanning or physical examination and if the examining officer is satisfied the cargo is released, otherwise reassessed.

The feature of the simplified self-assessment procedure facilitates clearance for compliant traders whose declarations pass the test of the risk management system.

iv. Post Clearance Audit [PCA]: Proposal requires that Members adopt post-clearance audit to expedite the release of goods at borders. NCS applies PCA in its operations to expedite clearance at the borders.

v.  Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times: Proposal requires Members to publish their average release time of goods periodically and in a consistent manner using tools such as the WCO Time Release Study. NCS supports this measure and has completed capacity building program in time release study including bilateral technical assistance with the United States Agency for International Development [USAID]. While challenges are noted in conducting time release study, the Service is consolidating on current experience.

vi. Authorized Operators: Proposal requires each Member to provide additional trade facilitation measures related to import, export and transit formalities and procedures to operators [called authorized operators] who meet specific criteria related to customs compliance requirements. Such criteria for obtaining authorized operator status may include the following; an appropriate record of compliance with customs and other related laws and regulations, a system of managing records to allow for necessary internal controls, and financial solvency. NCS maintains a fast track facility that rewards traders with consistent record of compliance with the NCS regulations.

vii. Expedited Shipment: Proposal requires each Member to adopt procedures allowing for expedited release of at least those goods entered through air cargo facilities to persons that apply for such treatment, while maintaining customs control. To promote expedited shipment, NCS requires submission in advance of the arrival of an expedited shipment the information necessary for release.  

5. CHALLENGES

While consolidating on enhanced performance based on ongoing capacity building programs, NCS is faced with the challenges of coordinating the activities of other agencies in border procedures and also securing enhanced compliance by traders. To overcome these barriers, it may require a collaborative capacity building program that supports interagency cooperation and promotes compliance. NCS and relevant stakeholders can agree on the scope of the collaborative program.

6. CONCLUSION

Based on the review in paragraph 4 above, NCS is good on proposals in Article 7 of the WTO “Draft Consolidated Negotiating Text” on trade facilitation. We should have the opportunity to review other articles in the negotiating text in relation to the capacity building program in the NCS in future edition of this magazine.  

Automation: An Aid to Integrity and Transparency

The creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services is called automation. The use of automation in processes and procedures will go a long way to allow transparency, which in turn establishes a good platform for integrity to thrive.

For any organisational objectives to be achieved, integrity has a great role to play, as recommended by World Customs Organisation in one of the conventions precisely Revised Arusha Declaration (2003). For Nigeria Customs Service to meet up with International Best Practises Standard, automation has to be seriously explored and used maximally.

Automation as one of the 10 key elements enumerated by the WCO’s Revised Arusha Declaration will help in establishing a good platform for integrity to thrive and cause organisational goals to be achievable maximally with minimum, efficient and effective use of both human and material resources.

INTEGRITY
Integrity is doing the right thing even when it is difficult. That is performing customs operations with high level of honesty and uprightness. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of corruption.

TRANSPARENCY
Transparency as defined by online dictionary, is a window that permits the uninterrupted passage of light; something clear, easy to see through, understand, or recognize; something obvious. When someone is candid, open or frank.

In simple terms, transparency in Customs operations is making processes and procedures, laws and regulations, administrative guidelines that pertain to revenue collections to be opened, public, easily accessible and applied in a uniform and consistent manner.

Automation is the use of Information and Communication Technology equipment and gadgets to control Customs processes and procedures in such a way that it will reduce human contact (i.e. between officers and the trade) and physical cash handling among others in order to eradicate any breathing space for corruption to thrive. The maximum used of automation is achieved when most of the procedures and data files transfer are done electronically- i.e. Direct Traders Input, e-manifest, e-banking in general term e-customs

Presently, automation in NCS is having a rapid metamorphosis of which latest technology is in greater use.

AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
The ultimate goal of the management is to take NCS to recommended clearance procedure called e-customs. Presently with the use of ASYCUDA++, Direct Traders Input, e-manifest, e-banking, e-release have been achieved and all the Exit gates are properly networked and connected to the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) so as to enjoy the benefits of automation.
Single Window is very much in view to harmonise the entire clearance procedures for importations and exportations in order to meet up with International Best Practise Standard.

ADVANTAGES
The use of automation has a lot of  advantages for the Service to enjoy. Among others are:

• Enhances revenue collection and protection.
• Generation of accurate and timely statistical data/returns for policy making.
• More efficient use of resources.
• Saves time. 
• Ease of implementation.
• Meet up with International Best Practises standard.
• Helps integrity to thrive and thereby improves the image of the service.
• It brings about proper accountability and responsibility with the use of passwords by officers /users.

The benefits to the nation cannot be over emphasised. Automation among other key elements:

• Increases productivity that leads to economic growth. 
• Conserves resources. 
• National Security.
• Reduces overall cost of trade.
• Enhances revenue.
• Facilitates trade.
• Help Integrity to thrive thereby improving the image of the country among other nations. 
• Social Protection.

Socio-economic - encourages investment 

In conclusion, any administration/management that does not embrace maximum use of automation in its operations in order to meet up with the challenges such as increase in speed and volume of international trade; rapid change in world and national economies; illegal trafficking of prohibited goods and dangerous weapons will end up inflicting more cost and danger to the organisation and also jeopardise the economy of the entire nation.

The present administration has gone a long way to get the officers of the Service trained in different courses ranging from –Computer Appreciation, ASYCUDA++ and Nigeria Integrated Custom Information System (NICIS)  in order to meet up with the development and use of automated systems in the Service.

Mass Communications Career Training Online

Every day people digest an assortment of information from news, radio, advertisements, and more. The people behind our information driven culture are the trained professionals of the mass communications industry. Online training is available in every area of the industry making it easier for individuals to stay at home and earn a degree.

Numerous online schools offer degrees to help people gain the skills necessary for careers in mass media. Radio, television, journalism, and public relations are the degree concentrations that can have individuals working in a variety of fields and companies. Being able to gain a degree online will give individuals who are unable to attend a traditional college the chance to use their passion to relay information to large segments of the population in a number of ways.

The dissemination of news is the cornerstone of how countries share information to our society, other nations, within companies, to specific individuals, and more. The ability to communicate information correctly is a sought after skill by numerous companies, government agencies, military groups, and more.

An online accredited education in mass communications will prepare students with the proper skills to work in the professional world. The ability to study at home gives dedicated students advantages, such as one-on-one faculty mentoring via e-mail, the ability to soak in the material at one's own pace, and eliminates the hassle of taking time off work to attend school full time.

Students can attend school online and gain an associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree in a number of concentrations. Some schools offer doctorate and dissertation courses. Mass communications education covers a wide range of information that starts with foundations and theories in communications, public relations, journalism, and more. In higher division courses students take classes that are specifically geared towards their concentrations. Through these specific courses students will earn a complete and comprehensive education by partaking in research projects that will prepare the student to enter the workforce.

Tuition prices vary from school to school, but typically courses may range in price from $400 to $700. Course prices will be more expensive for higher degree programs. The benefit of online schooling is that students can pay per course after registering in a program. Tuition does not include the price for textbooks or other required materials. Many online courses could last about 10 weeks and a bachelor's degree program may require the student to gain 120 credit hours in order to graduate from the course.

A core class for a bachelor program will build a foundation for communications. Courses will teach students how to communicate effectively by helping students become better communicators in all aspects of life. Students will gain an understanding of the various avenues and studies within the communication industry. A course of this nature can help students choose a concentration because they will learn what each concentration is about. Concentrations include public relations, advertising, journalism, and more.

The job market for students who earn a degree in mass communications is wide and fulfilling. Degree holders can work with virtually any company or organization as a public relations officer where they will write press releases, hold press conferences, and be the media coordinator in a variety of ways. Writing and reporting can have students working for T.V. stations, newspapers, and radio stations. Start your mass communications degree today by picking an online accredited program that will help you become a vital part of the mass communications industry.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Mass Communications Schools providing the education you're looking for at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

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What's Involved With Getting a Mass Communication Degree

A Mass Communications Degree can be a stepping stone for several lucrative careers. It's versatile to be used in business, advertising, media, journalism and more.

But what's involved with getting this type of degree? Here's an outline according to StudentAdvisor:

· Course Length:The average length of time it'll take to complete this type of degree equates to at least 120 credit hours, or four years.

· Tuition:The price of tuition for a Communications Degree will vary by the type of institution that the student is enrolled in. In addition, this course is now available at many online colleges, with options to study on-campus also.

· Types of Courses: This degree requires students to have strong communication skills for research, debate, speech and English classes, which are at the epicenter of the course curriculum.

What Is Mass Communications?

This study niche involves studying the current practices and history of how organizations communicate on a local and global level. It breaks down how the media communicates to the public, and vice verse.

The courses will also teach students to apply their skills to several advertising media, including the internet, television, radio and print.

According to Salary.com, the fields in which graduates can apply this degree vary. It includes, but isn't limited to:

· Media

· Journalism

· Business Management

· Public Relations

· Advertising

· Broadcasting

· Publishing

The Earning Power and Job Outlook for Mass Communications Degrees

According to The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook isn't forecasted to increment up until 2016. However, there are still opportunities for employment.

The salary will additionally vary as per the student's career choice. As an example, Journalists can earn salaries that rack up to more than $100,000 annually, while Audio And Video Broadcast Technicians can earn between $21,000-$60,000.

As the job market becomes more competitive, it is up to workers and students to upgrade their skills, in order to secure jobs and earn more.

An online degree, which can be earned during student's free time, offers graduates a competitive advantage over others who simply hold a high school diploma, or an associates degree.

Furthermore, a flexible degree such as a Mass Communications degree, offers even more of a competitive advantage, given that students can shift between several types of careers.

For prospective students who are interested in learning more, it would be best to request information packets from several online colleges regarding tuition, courses, and length.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ehab_M_El_Shamy