By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative aimed at reducing cargo clearance time from the current 21 days to just 48 hours. The reform was formally introduced on Thursday, September 23, 2025, during a high-level meeting of Customs Management and Area Controllers in Abuja.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the OSS as a transformative shift aligned with global trade standards and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. According to him, the reform will eliminate duplication of checks, restore transparency, and enhance trader confidence.
“The OSS initiative will not only shorten clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours, but it will also strengthen trader confidence, restore transparency, and make our operations more business-friendly,” Adeniyi said.
Under the OSS framework, all Customs units will collaborate on flagged declarations, ensuring that consignments cleared through the system will not face re-interception. This, the Service noted, will significantly cut costs and improve trade facilitation.
The CGC emphasised that while technology continues to drive modern Customs operations, physical engagement among officers remains critical. He noted that forums such as the Abuja meeting provide opportunities to reinforce unity of purpose and ensure seamless execution of reforms.
As part of the reform, the NCS also introduced a central dashboard to monitor clearance times, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction. The OSS will first be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before its nationwide rollout.
“This is not just a policy. It is a statement of intent that reflects our determination to build a modern, transparent, and trader-friendly Customs Service,” Adeniyi declared.
Area Controllers at the meeting pledged their full support, describing the OSS as a timely intervention to reposition the Service for greater efficiency.
