The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a new One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative, a major reform designed to reduce cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours.
The initiative was introduced on Thursday, September 23, 2025, during a management meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and attended by Customs Area Controllers and senior officers.
Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift” in line with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda, Adeniyi said the reform would eliminate duplication of efforts, boost transparency, and restore trader confidence.
“The OSS initiative will not only shorten clearance time but also make our operations more predictable and business-friendly,” he stated.
Under the new framework, all Customs units will jointly handle flagged declarations, thereby reducing multiple checks and delays. Consignments cleared through the OSS will also be exempt from re-interception, a measure expected to lower costs and speed up trade facilitation.
The meeting also reviewed the Service’s accountability framework, introducing a central dashboard to monitor clearance times, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Adeniyi disclosed that the OSS would be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before nationwide rollout. He added that the initiative 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 but a statement of intent to build a modern, transparent, and trader-friendly Customs Service,” the CGC said.
Customs Area Controllers welcomed the reform, pledging full support and describing the initiative as timely and necessary to reposition the Service for greater efficiency.
Discover more from Inside Abuja Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
