The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ initiative aimed at reducing cargo clearance time to 48 hours. According to Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the NCS, the initiative was unveiled during a recent meeting between the service’s management and Customs Area Controllers, chaired by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi in Abuja.
The meeting focused on the service’s modernisation agenda and the role of leadership in driving reforms across commands. The Comptroller-General described the One-Stop-Shop as a “transformative shift” that aligns with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy. The reform is designed to sanitise operations, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure predictability in Customs procedures.
By implementing the One-Stop-Shop initiative, the NCS aims to significantly reduce cargo clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours. This move is expected to strengthen trader confidence, restore transparency, and make Customs operations more business-friendly. The Comptroller-General acknowledged the importance of technology in Customs operations but also emphasised the need for physical engagement with officers.
The introduction of the One-Stop-Shop initiative is part of the NCS’s efforts to improve efficiency and facilitate trade. The service has been working to modernise its operations and simplify procedures to make it easier for traders to do business. The reduction in cargo clearance time is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will enable traders to get their goods to market more quickly.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s move to introduce the One-Stop-Shop initiative is a significant step towards improving trade facilitation and reducing bureaucratic delays. As the service continues to implement reforms, it is likely that traders and businesses will benefit from faster and more efficient Customs procedures. With the introduction of this initiative, the NCS is poised to play a more significant role in promoting trade and economic growth in Nigeria.
