ORGANIZATION AND APPLICATION OF NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY (NIIT) FOR IMPORTED CONSIGNMENTS BY CUSTOMS SERVICE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research work investigated the management and utilisation of non-intrusive inspection technology (NIIT) for inspection of consignment by custom service in Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the type of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies utilized for Information Management on Imported Consignments by customs service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos, to find out the level of adoption of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies to

Information Management on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos; to examine the influence of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies in the Management of Information on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos; and to determine the challenges associated with the Utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology for Information Management on Imported Consignments by

Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos. Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Design was adopted with 207 as the population. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Frequency and percentages were used for the descriptive analysis of data while ANOVA and chi-square were used for inferential analysis. Technology acceptance Model (TAM) was used as a lence. The findings revealed that: among the three types of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology that are being utilized by Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos, it is only Mobile Scanner that is very much utilized; the gadgets were found to be very useful in the Information Management by customs services in Lagos Zone ‘A’; there is significant difference in the type of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies utilized by Nigeria Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ Lagos; there is significant influence in the Utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies on the information management system on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in the Zone ‘A” Lagos among other finding. Based on these findings, it was recommended that, government should provide all the necessary machines (Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies) needed for scanning and scrutinizing all the imported consignments by customs service in Nigeria; Custom officers concerned with the utilization of the available gargets should always concentrate in generating and processing information using non-intrusive inspection technologies; appropriate penalty should be given to offenders by an appropriate authority in order to prevent the future offenders from committing same offence among other recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

                    1.1       Background to the Study

We live in a world that is rapidly evolving through technology. This evolution has led to a changing cultural ideology and how we function day to day. The influences of technology have become ubiquitous in almost every aspect of our current society, including revenue generation and also in our security systems. Technology today defines advancement, simpler and logical ways of achieving and managing pull of activities. Information and communication technology plays significant roles in security, science, detection and management of human and non human resources.

According Neankwo (2006) the importance of ICTs in the different sectors could be seen as the best way that could be used to assist individuals and organizations to adequately solve their need for effective service delivery. This is because the application of

ICT greatly helps in the provision of efficient service to the target audience. Also Dike (2000) claimed that instant access to information from a multiplicity of source is one of the major importance of ICTs application to different sectors.

Now a days there are several information communication technology for various housekeeping, management and administrative functions of the different sectors electronic and digital media, computer aided electronic equipment, networks and internet has provided significant role in retrieval and dissemination of information and playing an vital role for modernization of work place for improve productivity and revenue generation.

Umebali and Nwankwo (2010) identified the following as importance to the use of

ICTs

• To allow for easy integration of various activities in an organization.
• Increase in activities of organization and services.
• Increasing demand of library users.
• ICT It induces scientific, economic, technological, information and multicultural literacy and global awareness among members of the society.
• It develops effective communication, which leads to teaming, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Moreover, it induces personal, social and civic responsibility.
• It leads to high productivity which given the ability to plan and manage results.
• It also gives you a sense of using real-world tools with effective, relevant, and high quality results.

Thioune (2003) notes that for the past two decades most developed countries have witnessed significant changes that can be traced to ICTs in almost all sectors of the economy. These multi-dimensional changes have been observed in almost all aspects of life: economics, education, communication, and travel. In a technology driven society, getting information quickly is important for both sender and receiver. ICTs have made it possible to quickly find and distribute information.

Thoiune (2003) indicates that many initiatives have taken at the international level to support Africa’s efforts to develop a communication infrastructure and these efforts are designed to enable African countries, including Nigeria, to find faster ways to achieve durable and sustainable development. Helmut (2011), cited by Akpore (2012), states that of the technological changes that have influenced our lives in recent years, information technology (IT) has had the greatest impact. Martin (1995) and Usman (2013) supports this view by describing it as a society in which the quality of life, as well as prospects for social change and economic development, depends increasingly upon information and its exploitation. In such a society, living standards, patterns of work and leisure, the education system and marketplace are all influenced by advances in information and knowledge.

Hawkridge (1983) and Kerry (2014) asserted that information technology as a revolution has penetrated almost all fields of human activity, thus transforming economic and social life. UNDP (2001) asserts that even if sustainable economic growth facilitates the creation and diffusion of useful innovations, technology is not only the result of growth but can be used to support growth and development. ICTs are credited with the ability to transform, and deep and significant changes are expected from their widespread use in Africa. From this stand point Africans can take maximum advantage of the new technologies even if major challenges remain.

These challenges include adapting ICTs to local conditions and uses in developing countries, and allowing each country understand those innovations and adjust them to their own development needs. Therefore, development in Nigeria depends on the country’s capacity to create wealth to significantly reduce poverty and to raise its capacity to create wealth at a sustainable level. ICTs have been the basis for human existence from time immemorial and this has driven man to continuously seek ways to improve the processing of information and communicating such information to one another irrespective of distance and on a real-time basis (Ndukwe, 2002 & Uche, 2015). Surviving in the information age depends on access to national and global information networks. ICTs are the bedrock for the survival and development of any nation in a rapidly changing global environment, and it challenges us to devise initiatives to address a host of issues such as reliable infrastructure, skilled human resources, open government, and other essential issues of capacity building (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2001). The availability of this new technology has been reshaping the material basis of the society as well as bringing about a profound restructuring of economic, political, and cultural relations among states; Nigeria is not an exception Marcelle (2010).

One simpler way to appreciate technology is in the area of automation of operations in organisations and in specifically management of large volume of activities in importation and exportation of goods. These agencies one of which is the Nigeria customs service hitherto, manually inspect and manage information on goods and other activities now due to technological advancement should be able to orderly process and deliver timely service in the aspects of revenue generation and drastically curtail smuggling activities. Thus, for Customs Service to optimize revenue and detect illegal goods or consignments from the imported and exported consignments, government procures and provides them with some X-ray cargo scanning machines that will help them to carry out their duties effectively.

Some developed countries like United State of America (U.S.A.) and China are using these scanning machines effectively and in accordance with the law, to assist them in revenue generation and trade facilitation. (Salihu, 2015), It is asserted that the Nigeria

Customs Service is not effectively utilizing such gadgets or scanning machines at the Nigeria borders and other Customs formation.

These machines should be used to increase knowledge base of Nigeria customs service through information generated (Burch and Starter, 1974 and Thawwer 2013). The information should be the aggregation of processed data to provide knowledge or intelligence. Thus, it has been observed that many goods are being illegally imported into the country through approved and non-approved routes. Some of the goods imported into the country include; clothes, guns and ammunitions, cars, drugs, furniture each from which the government generates huge amount of revenue inform of customs duties. One of the contemporary technologies used to detect/inspect such illegal goods, as well as legal ones through the routes is Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (Cargo Scanning).

The “Cargo Scanning Machine/equipment is a technology that utilises X-ray or gamma-ray to expose all the contents of a container on a computer screen for the purpose of analysis and decision making” (White Crest Trans Global Service 2013), The technology is used at the customs approved routes such as, land borders, seaport and airport. These routes are where Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) is mounted and used for the screening of goods imported into the country. The NIIT helps to view all that is contained in the containers at the borders (Department of Homeland Security, 2006). Kennedy (2008) asserted that the essence of the technology is to enhance the security of the country in relation to the imported goods in to the country.

Ideally, every container that houses goods imported into the country should be examined. During the examination of a container, information is generated, especially on the nature of goods imported, the quantity of the goods, information about the genuineness of the goods imported, the company that produces the goods, and the country that produces the goods etc. On generating such information, it is documented for immediate and future uses. The information can easily be retrieved in some few moment, days or weeks after it had been generated, analyzed and disseminated to the relevant officers and offices of the customs for rating and necessary action.

Depending on the information generated during the scanning exercise at the borders and other approved route (seaport and airport) where customs operations are carried out, the amount of revenue to be generated from such approved route depends on the type of information disseminated. The more detailed information disseminated the higher the likely amount of income to be generated by the government. Information generated, retrieved and disseminated at the borders during the scanning of goods taking into the country help a lot in the detection and monitoring of dangerous weapons imported illegally into the country. Such weapons include guns, bombs, ammunitions, shells, and missiles to mention but few (Romero, 2014).

                    1.2       Statement of the Problem

Customs Service is among the security agencies that have been in existence globally. As a paramilitary organization, it was established in Nigeria in 1891with the responsibilities of collection of revenue (import and export), suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation as contained in section 4 Cap C45 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) 2004. This was put in place with the aim of controlling the import and export of consignments/goods. Thus, for Customs Service to optimize revenue and detect illegal goods or consignments from the imported and exported consignments, government procures and provides them with some X-ray cargo scanning machines that will help them to carry out their duties effectively.

Some developed countries like United State of America (U.S.A.) and China are using these scanning machines effectively and in accordance with the law, to assist in revenue generation and trade facilitation. (Salihu, 2015), Mujika (2014) asserted that the

Nigeria Customs Service is not effectively utilizing such gadgets or scanning machines at the Nigeria borders and other Customs formation. As a result it is alleged that explosive materials, arms and ammunition, illegal drugs and commodities are being concealed and imported to Nigeria day and night. The aftermath could affect the revenue generation and the lives and property of the general public. However, Non-Intrusive Inspection

Technology has been put in place to avert the menace yet it continues to surface. Consequent upon this development, the researcher intended to study the management and utilisation of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology on Imported Consignments by Customs

Service in Zone „A‟ Lagos. This is done to examine the types of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology being utilized for information management, the extent to which utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies influence the information management, the challenges of utilizing Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology for information management and the extent to which Customs Service manage information discovered using NonIntrusive Inspection Technologies and to see whether the problems identified will be taken care of. This is done using a technology acceptance model construct of perceived usefulness.

                    1.3        Research Questions

1. What types of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies are being utilised for Information Management on Imported Consignments by Customs Service commands in Zone „A‟ Lagos?
2. What is the level of adoption of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies in information management on imported consignments by Customs Service commands in Zone „A‟ Lagos?
3. To what extent has the Utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies influenced the Information system management on Imported Consignments by

Customs Service in Zone „A‟ Lagos?

4. What are the challenges associated with the utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection

Technologies for Information system management on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in Zone „A‟ Lagos?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are to:

1. To identify the type of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies utilized for

Information Management on Imported Consignments by customs service in Zone

„A‟ Lagos;

2. To find out the level of adoption of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies to

Information Management on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in Zone

„A‟ Lagos;

3. To examine the influence of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies in the

Management of Information on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in

Zone „A‟ Lagos; and

4. To determine the challenges associated with the Utilization of Non-Intrusive

Inspection Technology for Information Management on Imported Consignments by Customs Service in Zone „A‟ Lagos.

 

 

1.5 Hypotheses

The researcher used the null hypotheses as follows:

1. There is no significant difference in the type of Non-Intrusive Inspection

Technologies utilized among the Nigeria Customs Service commands in Zone „A‟ Lagos.

2. There is no significant difference in the usefulness of Non-Intrusive Inspection

Technologies in Information Management on Imported Consignments among

Customs Service commands in Zone „A‟ Lagos; and

3. The utilization of Non-Intrusive Technology by the Nigeria Customs Service commands in Zone „A‟ Lagos has no significant influence on the Information Management in the Zone.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The research contributes significantly towards maintaining transparency in handling imported consignment by Nigeria Customs Service, increase in revenue and enhance security. This finding of the study would help in to reduce human efforts in inspecting/screening of goods that are imported into the country. It will give the authority of Nigerian customs service history of use of the technology and challenges faced and a blue print for improvement. It will tremendously reduce smuggling and false declaration (falsification of document) on imported goods by the importers. The research explains the need for the adoption and increase use of Non-Intrusive Inspection technology.

Moreover, this study would be of great benefit to the Nigerian government by providing reliable information on the utilization of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology on imported consignments by customs Service and reveal the aspects that require improvement and retraining. The study would also be beneficial to Nigerian citizens and researchers, by providing them with information on Nigerian Customs Service, particularly on the use of Non-Intrusive Technology on Imported Consignments. This study would help Nigeria Customs service to improve in the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology same as China, USA and other developed countries as it identifies the extent of utilisation of the technology and the challenges encounter by officers in the discharge of their duties. The research would form a body of literature to other researchers to conduct relevant study.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study covered the management and utilisation of Non-Intrusive Inspection

Technology (NIIT) on imported consignments by Customs Service in Nigeria; it covers

Zone „A‟ Lagos, which comprised of Apapa Customs Command, Seme Border Customs

Command, Murtala Muhammad International Air Port Command, Idi-Iroko Border Customs Command, PTML Customs Command and Tincan Island Port.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like any other social phenomenon, the researcher encountered certain challenges among which were hitches in reaching the officers primarily handling the inspection technology as some of them were away on field assignments. However, they were reached in their duty post via special delivery of copies of the questionnaire by the researcher. The researcher encountered rigors in cost of employing research assistants for coding and interpretation for data collected in order to categorize the types of non-intrusive inspection technology that are available at various commands. All challenges were overcome through the researcher‟s effort.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms:

The following terms are defined in the context of this work:

• Customs Officers: Refers to officers and men of the Nigeria customs service working at the scanning sites in various units such as; Scanner Manager, Image Analyst, Systems Operator, Check-in Operator, Recheck and Traffic Marshal.
• Imported Consignments: Goods, Merchandise, products, ware or commodities imported in to Nigeria through, ports, borders and other Customs formation.
• Information and Communication Technology: it refers to cargo scanning machine/computers, and any other telecommunication technology devices for information and records creation, processing, storage, retrieval, utilization and disposition in Nigeria Customs Service.
• Information Management: A process of acquiring, retrieving (of information,) analysing, keeping records of an organization, maintenance, storage, preservation, utilization and dissemination for the purpose of use.
• Management: This is the systematic process of organising; staffing, directing, marketing and controlling as well as utilization in order to achieve its objectives.
• Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT): refers to technical equipment and machines such as X-ray or gamma-ray imaging type equipment that allow the inspection of cargo without the need to open the means of transport and unload the cargo. Non-intrusive Inspection (Cargo scanning) is non-destructive methods of inspecting and identifying consignments (goods) in transportation systems.

§Trade Facilitation

Trade Facilitation is the simplification, harmonization, standardization and modernization of trade procedures for the purpose of ensuring fast, transparent cargo clearance and reducing cost of doing business in International Trade.

• Utilisation: The act of using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (Cargo X-ray Scanning Machine) at Customs formations to inspect consignments/goods coming into the country with the aims of detecting concealment, securing the nation, optimizing revenue and facilitating trade.
• TAM: Technology Acceptance Model explains why technology is accepted or

rejected.

• Perceived Usefulness: The degree to which an individual believes that Using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance
• Perceived ease of use: The degree to which an individual believes that using a particular system would be free of physical and mental effort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

Adesanya, O. (2002). The impact of information technology on information dissemination. In Madu, E.C. and Dirisu, M.B. (Eds.). Information science and technology for library schools in Africa Ibadan :EviColeman. Pp.10-24. African Information Society Initiative (2005).AISI Connect Online Database. Available:

www.paradigm.snapc.org.africa/index.htm

 

Akpore, A. S. (2012). Free expression in age of the Internet: Social and legal boundaries. Boulder: Westview Press.

 

Annan, K. (2002). Information and communication development: Information society surmit. P.7.

 

Anyakoha, M.W. (1991). Basic librarianship: Modern technologies in information work. Owerri: Totan publisher, Pp. 106-108.

 

Bruce, O. (1995). Internet with a difference: Getting people hooked up. Available:

www.zwren.org.zw/publications/information

 

Burch, C. & Starter, H. (1974). Sources of Information in the Fields of Animal Production and Animal Health. II Secondary Information, Data Bases and Data Banks Rev. Sci. Tech. Off. Int. Epiz 6(1) 22-29.

Burch, R. M. (1989). The Integrity of Digital Information.Journal of Information Science.22 p. 219.

Crede, A., &Mansell, R. (1998). Knowledge societies… in a nutshell: Information technologies for sustainable development. Ottawa, Canada: IDRC. “Importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Making a Heathy Information Society: A Case Study of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria,” Monday ObaidjevweOgbomo, Esoswo Francisca Ogbomo. Library Philosophy and Practice 2008 (December) 8

 

Department, (2006). Information Management for an Intelligent Organization: The Art of Environmental Scanning. Medford, NJ: Learned Information. P. 80

Dike, V. (2000) More than Computers IT in Library and Information Service Education, Ibadan: NALISE 50-59.

Eseyin, E. (1997).African Internet status. Available: www.3.5n.apcorg/atstat.htm Federal republic of Nigeria (2001). Nigeria national policy for information technology (IT). Available: www.nitda.gov.ng/nigeriapolicy.pdf.Madu2000andFapothunda1999

 

Hawkridge, D. (1983). New information technologies in education. London: Broom Relm, P. 161.

Helmut, T. (2011) The Fireplace Project. A solo exhibition by HELMUT LANG. Presented by NEVILLE WAKEFIELD. Exhibition dates: July 22, through August 8, 2011

 

Kennedy (2008). Information Technology and Organizational Transformation: Information for the 21^st Century organization, Wiley, Chic ester, p. 67.

Kerry, G. (2014). Principles of Information system: source for opening vignette. Prosuccess          story.

Retrievedfromhttps://books.google.com.ng/books?id=zkFBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA444 &lpg=PA444&dq=Kerry+(2014),,+pdf&source=bl&ots=Kx1rp_f3bF&sig=Wugz4 bHEf5X3EdrurcChV–k10o&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjlmMvYq8rTAhUGLsAKHRXlBcYQ6AEISjAH

#v=onepage&q=Kerry%20(2014)%2C%2C%20pdf&f=false on 29/4/2017

Marcelle, G.M. (2010). Getting gender into African ICT policy: A strategic view” In Rathgeber and Ofwona (Eds.) Gender and the information revolution in Africa. IDRC.

 

Martin, J.W. (1988). The information society. London: Aslib, P.179.

 

Martin, J.W. (1995). The global information society.England :Aslib, P.3.

 

Ndukwe, E. (2002).Application of information technology.The Pointer, 28 October, P.16.

Nwankwo, A.N. (2006) The Need for ICT Education for Effective Library Work and    Services, paper presented at the 2006 Department of Library and Information Science

Nwosu, I. (2004). Digital public relations: concept and practice, In Nwokocha, J. (Ed.). Digital public relations: New techniques in reputation management. Lagos: Zoom Lens Publishers. Pp. 33-34.

 

O’Brien, J.A. (1996). Management information systems: Managing information technology in the networked enterprise. Boston: McGraw Hill, Pp.282-285.

 

Oji-Okoro, M. (2006). M obile telephony and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeri : Case studies from south east Nigeria, In Iyoha, C. C. (Ed.). Mobile telephony: Leveraging strengths and opportunities for socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria. Lagos: Ezcell Communications Ltd. Pp.53-56.

 

Oketunji, I. (2000). Computer applications in libraries. A compendium of papers presented at the 39th National Annual Conference of the Nigerian Library Association. Owerri. Pp.2-4.

 

Otabor, L.N. (2006). The significance of information technology in the making of a healthy information society: A survey of Delta state. (An Unpublished project work).

 

Romero, (2003). Strategic Information Management: Challenges and Strategies in

Managing Information Systems.  3^rded. Boston: Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, p. 2.

Salihu, A.N. (2015). Radiation Protection Services. A Paper Presented at Gwagwalada Custom‟s Training College.  P.3. Seminar, 5th – 10^th February.

Thawwer ,W.(2013).Integrated Tuberculosis Information System National respondents who contributed to reporting and verification of data. Global Report. Retrieved from https://www.google.com.ng/?gws_rd=ssl#q=thawwer+2013.pdf on 29/4/2017

Thioune, R.M.C. (2003). Information and communication technologies for development in Africa: Opportunities and challenges for community development. Volume 1. Ottawa: IDRC. Available: http://www.idrc.ca

Tiemo, P.A. (2006). Impact of global system of mobile (GSM) communication services on rural communities in Delta State.In Iyoha, C. C. (Ed.). Mobile telephony: Leveraging strengths and opportunities for socio-economic transformation in Nigeria. Lagos: Ezcell Communications Ltd. Pp.90-99.

 

Uche, E, V. (2015). The microstructure of bank lending to SMEs: evidence from a survey of loan officers in Nigerian banks. PhD thesis.

 

Umebali, C.O. and Nwankwo, C. (2010) The Integration of Informationand Communication Technology in Library Operations for Effective Library Services Journal of Educational Media and Technology (JEMT) Vol. 14 No1.

UNDP (2001).World report on human development 2001.United Nations Development Programme. De Boeck University for UNDP, Brussels, Belgium.

 

Usman, D. O. (2013). The Question of the Falling Standard of Education: A Policy in Transition. Retrieved from http://spynewsng.com/demas–akpore–and–thedevelopment–of–delta–state/ on 29/4/2017

 

Walman, U. (1975). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Internet banking.Journal of the Association for Information Systems.

While C. (2013).Information Science and Technology for Library School in Africa. Ibadan: Evi-Coleman & Co.

Woherem, E.R. (2000). Information technology in the Nigerian banking industry. Ibadan:

Spectrum Books, Pp.1-2,13-14,26,55-60.

 

ORGANIZATION AND APPLICATION OF NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY (NIIT) FOR IMPORTED CONSIGNMENTS BY CUSTOMS SERVICE IN NIGERIA

Sharing is caring!