By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced measures to speed up cargo clearance, reduce repeated compliance checks and improve trade facilitation at the Lekki Free Trade Zone Command in Lagos.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, said the Command would prioritise digital customs operations, the National Single Window Project and the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Post-Clearance Mechanism to simplify procedures for importers, exporters, manufacturers and logistics operators.
According to him ,the initiatives are aimed at reducing transaction costs, improving revenue collection and creating a more business-friendly environment without compromising customs enforcement.
A major part of the plan is the full operationalisation of the OSS Post-Clearance Mechanism, which is designed to provide a coordinated process for resolving transactions flagged for additional compliance checks after cargo has been released.
Under the arrangement, issues relating to cargo valuation, classification and other compliance concerns would be handled through the designated mechanism, helping to minimise repeated alerts and interventions along the cargo corridor.
The initiative is expected to reduce unnecessary disruptions to legitimate trade while enabling Customs to investigate suspected violations and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Kukoyi also identified the National Single Window Project as a key component of the Command’s strategy to improve trade efficiency.
The Federal Government initiative is designed to integrate relevant regulatory agencies on a digital platform, allowing traders to submit documents and obtain necessary approvals through a single point of access.
He said the Command would support the project, noting that improved coordination among government agencies could reduce cargo dwell time, lower transaction costs and enhance the competitiveness of businesses operating within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The Acting Controller further highlighted the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System and other information and communication technology initiatives as important tools for improving operational efficiency.
According to him, the digital systems would facilitate faster cargo processing, strengthen accountability, reduce revenue leakages and improve the overall effectiveness of Customs operations.
The measures are also expected to support the Federal Government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda and the objectives of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Despite the emphasis on faster cargo clearance, Kukoyi stressed that revenue collection and enforcement would remain central to the Command’s operations.
He said the Command would maintain the necessary checks to address smuggling, false declarations, cargo misclassification and other violations capable of undermining government revenue and legitimate trade.
Kukoyi pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Comptroller Hauwa K. Abubakar, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and stakeholder management.
He commended Abubakar for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the Command and wished her a peaceful retirement.
The Acting Controller also charged officers and men of the Command to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism, warning against compromise and misconduct in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised that achieving the Command’s objectives would require the collective commitment of personnel, industry stakeholders and partner government agencies.
Kukoyi called for stronger collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential to national security, economic growth and efficient trade operations.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence placed in him, pledging to align his administration with the Comptroller-General’s policy direction of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
The reforms come as businesses continue to depend on efficient cargo processing and predictable regulatory procedures to move goods through the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
If effectively implemented, the measures could help importers, exporters, manufacturers and logistics operators reduce administrative bottlenecks, cut operating costs and improve the timely movement of goods.
However, the impact will depend on the effective implementation of the initiatives, the level of coordination among regulatory agencies and how quickly compliance issues are resolved.
Shorter cargo clearance times, fewer unnecessary checks, lower transaction costs and more predictable procedures will be key indicators of progress.
