Customs Eye 48hr Cargo Clearance At Ports, Launches One-Stop-Shop Initiative to Tackle Bureaucratic Processes
Zonal Coordinator Zone A of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babandede (4th from left) sandwiched between stakeholders at the launching of the One-Stop-Shop Initiative of the customs, held at Apapa Customs Command on Thursday.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday, launched the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) system – a centralised framework designed to streamline interventions on flagged or non-compliant declarations, boost trade facilitation across Nigeria’s busiest ports, and reduce cargo dwell time to an average of 48 hours per shipment.
Announcing the new initiative at the Apapa Customs Command in Lagos on Thursday, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, described the OSS as a smarter, technology-driven approach to cargo clearance that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.
According to ACG Babandede, “The OSS brings all relevant Customs units under one operational roof, allowing for joint review, examination, and decision-making at a single point of contact.
“Backed by the B’Odogwu digital platform, the system enables real-time data sharing, centralised documentation, analytical reporting, and seamless trader engagement through the Customs portal.
“The innovation is expected to reduce cargo dwell time to an average of 48 hours per shipment, cut demurrage costs for importers, and foster accountability in port operations.”
ACG Babandede noted that the OSS would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that often delay cargo release, ensuring that every flagged declaration is handled transparently and collaboratively.
He commended the Customs ICT team for their role in developing the platform, describing it as a milestone in the Service’s modernisation drive.
He, however, observed that the success of OSS will rely solely on the integrity of the implementation.
He therefore called on Customs officials and the trading community to efficiently utilise the process.
The event was attended by key port stakeholders, including Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port; Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Apapa Customs Area Command, Comptroller Peter Ntadi, Area Controller, Western Marine Command.
Also present were representatives of freight-forwarder associations, terminal operators, and licensed Customs agents, who lauded the initiative as a welcome innovation for the trading community even as they outlined their concerns.
With the OSS now operational, the NCS says it is reinforcing its commitment to strengthening trade for national growth” through technology-enabled reforms that align with international best practices.
