By Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Uche Usim

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rolled out its One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative, a key reform aimed at slashing cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, September 23, during a meeting with Customs Management and Area Controllers in Abuja, chaired by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.

Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift,” Adeniyi said the reform reflects global best practices and aligns with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. He explained that the new framework would sanitise operations, eliminate duplication, and make Customs procedures more predictable.

“The OSS initiative will not only shorten clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours, but it will also strengthen trader confidence, restore transparency, and make our operations more business-friendly,” he declared.

The Customs boss noted that while technology has been instrumental in driving modernisation, human engagement remains critical in leadership and reform. “As much as technology has helped us, it has its limits. There are moments when physical presence coming together under one roof adds weight and value to our deliberations. Meetings like this strengthen our unity of purpose and ensure we speak with one voice,” Adeniyi told the gathering.

The OSS framework will bring all Customs Units together to jointly process flagged declarations, eliminating the long-standing problem of multiple checks that often trigger delays. Consignments cleared through the system will no longer face re-interception, a move Adeniyi said would cut costs and boost trade facilitation.

The Abuja session also reviewed the Service’s accountability framework, featuring a new central dashboard to track clearance timelines, interventions, and stakeholder feedback. According to Adeniyi, the OSS will first be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before being scaled nationwide. He stressed that the reform is backed by the NCS Act 2023 and harmonised with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

“This is not just a policy. It is a statement of intent that reflects our determination to build a modern, transparent, and trader-friendly Customs Service,” he said.

In their response, Customs Area Controllers hailed the OSS as a timely intervention to reposition the Service for efficiency. They pledged total support to the Comptroller-General and promised to work in synergy to ensure the 48-hour clearance target becomes a reality.