The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative designed to cut cargo clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative designed to cut cargo clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours.
The initiative was launched on Thursday, 23 September 2025, during a meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and Customs Area Controllers in Abuja.
Adeniyi described the OSS as “a transformative shift” that aligns with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and global best practices.
“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,” he said.
The CGC explained that the new approach would bring all Customs Units together to jointly process flagged declarations, thereby eliminating duplication, reducing delays, and lowering costs. He added that consignments cleared under the OSS will not be subject to re-interception.
Adeniyi further noted the need to complement technology with effective leadership and teamwork.
“As much as technology has helped us, it has its limits. There are moments when physical presence coming together under one roof adds weight and value to our deliberations,” he observed.
The Abuja meeting also reviewed the Service’s accountability framework, including the creation of a central dashboard to track clearance timelines, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction.
According to Adeniyi, the OSS will be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before nationwide rollout. He assured that the reform is backed by the NCS Act 2023 and aligned with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
“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,” he said.
Customs Area Controllers at the session expressed support for the initiative, pledging to drive the reform in their respective commands and to work towards achieving the 48-hour clearance benchmark.