Nigeria Customs Aims for 48-Hour Cargo Clearance by 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to achieve 48-hour cargo clearance and fully paperless operations by the second quarter of 2026. This initiative was revealed during the formal launch of the One Stop Shop (OSS) platform in Lagos, aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and integrating risk intervention for faster clearance processes.

Bashir Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of enforcement, and Timi Bomodi, who oversees the OSS, emphasized the importance of engaging the trade community to advance customs digital reform. Adeniyi noted that the OSS reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in border processes.

The initiative targets a 48-hour clearance window, lower compliance costs, and stronger revenue assurance. Carolin Niagwan, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of tariff and trade, highlighted that the OSS implementation began several years ago but faced setbacks primarily due to gaps in the digital platform.

Segun Ajayi Kadir and Emenik Nwokeoji expressed strong support for the reforms, indicating that the OSS will streamline procedures and reduce human intervention in cargo clearance.