The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new digital One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks at the nation’s seaports and cutting cargo clearance time from an average of 21 days to just 48 hours.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Friday, is part of sweeping reforms designed to modernise border operations, enhance transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Speaking at the launch, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the OSS platform as a structural overhaul that shifts Customs operations from fragmented, manual processes to a coordinated digital governance system.
“This platform is a deliberate shift from fragmented interventions to coordinated governance, from discretion to data, and from isolated actions to collective responsibility,” Adeniyi said.
“Through this reform, we continue to build systems that support lawful trade, protect national interests, and serve the economy with professionalism and integrity.”
ALIGNING WITH GLOBAL TRADE STANDARDS
The Customs boss noted that the reform aligns with broader economic transformation efforts under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and complies with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which estimates that effective border reforms can reduce trade costs in developing economies by more than 14 percent.
He further disclosed that the Service is moving toward a fully paperless customs regime, with the first phase of digital clearance and documentation processes expected to roll out by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
CONSOLIDATING RISK CHECKS
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, explained that the OSS platform consolidates all risk interventions into a single electronic interface.
“Today, the NCS is introducing the One-Stop-Shop digital platform, an innovative system designed to consolidate all risk interventions at the port into a single electronic interface,” she said.
“We have listened to your feedback and recognised how multiple checkpoints and risk interventions affect business processes.”
According to her, the reform eliminates duplication of checks by harmonising procedures under one digital umbrella, thereby streamlining cargo examination and documentation processes.
STAKEHOLDERS BACK REFORM
A technical presentation by the Service’s Trade Facilitation Unit detailed implementation strategies, anticipated challenges, and operational timelines for achieving the ambitious 48-hour clearance target.
Stakeholders at the engagement expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that faster clearance processes would enhance ease of doing business, reduce demurrage costs, and encourage legitimate trade.
An interactive session also provided industry players with clarity on operational procedures and expectations ahead of the OSS rollout.
With the launch of the digital platform, the Nigeria Customs Service signals a decisive push toward efficiency, transparency, and globally competitive port operations, positioning Nigeria as a more attractive destination for trade and investment.
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