Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – November 13, 2025: The Nigeria Customs Service has unveiled a simplified cargo clearance framework under its One Stop Shop, OSS initiative, aimed at boosting efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation across the nation’s ports.
Speaking on the OSS, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babadende, charged importers and their agents to ensure that they are sincere in their declaration.
He explained that sincere declaration makes OSS work better. Stressing the need for interaction with stakeholders, the Customs boss explained that the interaction was necessary to keep stakeholders abreast with the workings of the new platform meant to make trade facilitation seamless.
Explaining the modalities of OSS, the Project Manager for Apapa Command, Assistant Controller Olawale Onigbanjo, speaking on the process, explained that the OSS integrates all critical Customs functions into a single digital platform, eliminating duplication and reducing delays.
He noted that the key steps in the OSS clearance process involves importers filong declarations through the Bodobo platform while on risk assessment the Customs Processing Center, CPC has to evaluate submissions against risk parameters, flagging non-compliant entries for review.
On joint review, Onigbanjo noted that the relevant Customs units — including valuation, intelligence, and physical examination — collaborate simultaneously on one platform; even as joint physical examinations are conducted when required, demand notices issued for additional duties, and seizures initiated if non-compliance is confirmed.
He also noted that additional duties are assessed and processed digitally while for release and exit: cargo is cleared for exit once requirements are met, with digital authorization visible to all stakeholders.
Concerning dispute Resolution; the Apapa OSS Project Manager explained that initial disputes are resolved within 14 hours, with structured escalation reducing resolution timelines from 21 days to as little as 48 hours.
Onigbajo noted that the OSS initiative is designed to "cut clearance times, improve predictability, and reduce errors. By consolidating processes and ensuring transparency, the system strengthens Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework while enhancing revenue collection.
"The initiative forms part of the broader reform agenda of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, which prioritizes professionalism, compliance, and digital transformation in customs operations."
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the OSS as a step toward aligning Nigeria’s port systems with global best practices, positioning the country for greater competitiveness in international trade.
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