The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative aimed at reducing cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours. The reform was unveiled during a management meeting with Customs Area Controllers in Abuja, according to a statement released on Sunday.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi described the OSS as a “transformative shift” aligned with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. He said the scheme would streamline operations, eliminate duplication, and restore transparency to strengthen trader confidence.
Under the new framework, all Customs units will jointly process flagged declarations, ensuring consignments cleared under the scheme are not re-intercepted. A central dashboard will also be introduced to track clearance times, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction as part of stronger accountability measures.
The initiative will be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne ports before a nationwide rollout. Adeniyi noted that while technology will play a central role, physical engagement among officers remains vital in driving unity and effective implementation.
The development comes days after Customs announced the exemption of raw materials, spare parts, and certain machinery from the four per cent Free on Board levy, a relief measure agreed with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to ease costs for manufacturers.
