Customs Launches One-Stop-Shop Initiative to Slash Clearance Time to 48 Hours

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, 

Harboursandportcom:Lagos-September 28, 2025: In a bid to modernize port operations and enhance trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service, NC has officially launched its One-Stop-Shop, OSS Initiative, a transformative reform aimed at reducing cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours.

The initiative was unveiled at a strategic meeting in Abuja, chaired by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and attended by senior management and Customs Area Controllers, CACs. 

The gathering focused on the Service’s modernization agenda and the role of leadership in driving reforms across commands.

A Cross Section Of Attentive Officers 

Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift,” Adeniyi said the initiative aligns with global best practices and supports the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.

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

Under the OSS framework, all Customs units will collaborate on flagged declarations, eliminating multiple checks and reducing delays. Consignments cleared through the OSS will not be subject to re-interception, a move designed to cut costs and boost efficiency.

Adeniyi also emphasized the importance of physical engagement in complementing technological advancements.

“Technology has helped us, but it has its limits. Coming together under one roof adds weight and value to our deliberations,” he said.

The meeting also featured a review of the Service’s accountability framework, including a new central dashboard to monitor clearance times, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction.

The OSS Initiative will be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before nationwide rollout. It is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and aligned 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,” Adeniyi concluded.

Customs Area Controllers pledged full support for the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for repositioning the Service. They committed to driving the reform at their respective commands and working in synergy to meet the 48-hour clearance target.