The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun the automation of excise administration with the launch of its Automated Excise Register System (ERS).
A statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Service concluded a pilot phase after carrying out user acceptance testing, system validation, and training for Customs officers and factory staff.
The ERS has now gone live at three pilot factories—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.
Conducted between July and August 2025, the pilot phase achieved a 75 percent efficiency score during testing at BATN, seamless integration of production and reporting systems, and stronger collaboration between Customs and factory management.
With live operations now active, all excise-related transactions at the pilot factories will be handled exclusively through the ERS, including production recording, duty computation, and report generation.
The NCS said the system will reduce manual paperwork, eliminate data inconsistencies, and improve transparency in excise administration. It added that lessons from the pilot will guide the nationwide rollout to other excise-regulated industries such as beverages and spirits.
Maiwada called on industry operators and stakeholders to support the reform, noting that it is central to compliance, efficiency, and sustainable revenue growth for the Federal Government.
