The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally introduced its One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative, aimed at reducing cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours.
NCS spokesperson, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, who announced the development in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, explained that the initiative was unveiled during a meeting between the NCS management and Customs Area Controllers, chaired by the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi. The meeting focused on the service’s modernisation agenda and the role of leadership in driving reforms across commands.
Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift”, Adeniyi said the initiative aligns with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
He noted that the reform is designed to sanitise operations, eliminate duplication of efforts, and ensure predictability in customs procedures.
“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.
While acknowledging the role of technology in streamlining customs processes, Adeniyi stressed that physical engagement with officers remains vital.
“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 added.
The OSS will be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before a nationwide rollout. According to Adeniyi, the initiative is supported by the NCS Act 2023 and is in line 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.
Maiwada further explained that under the OSS framework, all customs units will work jointly on flagged declarations, thereby eliminating multiple checks and reducing delays. Consignments cleared through the OSS will not be subject to re-interception, cutting costs and enhancing trade facilitation.
He added that the meeting also provided a platform to review the NCS accountability framework, which now includes a central dashboard to track clearance times, interventions, and stakeholder satisfaction.
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