By Customs Area Controllers,Promise Dera
Copyright nigerianeye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative designed to dramatically reduce cargo clearance times at Nigerian ports from an average of 21 days to just 48 hours.
The groundbreaking reform, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, consolidates Customs operations into a single, efficient hub to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, curb corruption, and boost importer confidence.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who spearheaded the announcement, emphasized the initiative’s transformative potential during a stakeholder engagement.
“This reform 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,” Adeniyi declared.
He added that the OSS represents “a statement of intent that reflects our determination to build a modern, transparent, and trader-friendly Customs Service,” underscoring the need for physical collaboration among officers despite technological advancements.
The OSS will initially be piloted at three major ports—Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne—before a nationwide rollout.
It addresses longstanding inefficiencies such as overlapping inspections, duplicated duties, and unofficial delays that have plagued Nigeria’s ports for decades.
Under the new system, flagged declarations will undergo joint reviews in a unified space, preventing re-interceptions of cleared goods and ensuring seamless processes.
The initiative draws support from the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and aligns with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which mandates streamlined border procedures.
Complementing the launch, NCS recently exempted raw materials, spare parts, and select machinery from the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy, a move negotiated with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
MAN President Francis Meshioye welcomed the development, noting it would alleviate costs for local industries and foster growth.Adeniyi highlighted the broader context of these reforms during the event, attended by Customs Area Controllers and business representatives.
“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,” he said.
The OSS is part of Adeniyi’s comprehensive agenda to modernize NCS, balancing revenue generation with trade facilitation and national security.
Recent enhancements include advanced scanning equipment at key ports and bolstered inter-agency partnerships.
Industry stakeholders anticipate significant ripple effects: reduced demurrage fees for importers, lower consumer prices, and an improved ranking for Nigeria in global Ease of Doing Business metrics, especially in cross-border trade.
However, challenges remain, including the need for rigorous enforcement to counter resistance from entrenched interests and logistical hurdles in congested ports.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of disciplinary actions against officers who circumvent the system.
As Nigeria positions itself as Africa’s trade powerhouse, the OSS launch signals a commitment to efficiency and integrity. Importers and manufacturers are optimistic, with one Abuja-based operator describing it as “a game-changer that could unlock billions in economic value.”
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