🚢 Breaking Barriers: How Nigeria Cut Cargo Clearance Time by 66.9%

The Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, revealed a groundbreaking achievement on Monday: the reduction of cargo clearance time from a staggering 43 hours, thanks to cutting-edge technology and innovative processes.

Speaking during the World Customs Day celebration in Abuja, where distinguished officers and staff of the NCS were honored for exemplary service, Adeniyi emphasized the organization’s commitment to delivering excellence in trade facilitation and revenue generation for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

💬 “In our pursuit of operational efficiency, we’ve made significant strides in modernizing customs processes,” Adeniyi noted.

Key Achievements in Customs Modernization

1️⃣ Advanced Ruling System: The NCS introduced this system to provide binding decisions on classification and valuation even before shipments arrive, significantly minimizing delays and disputes.

2️⃣ Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme: Certified companies now enjoy an average cargo release time of just 43 hours—a remarkable 66.9% reduction in clearance time.

3️⃣ Indigenous Innovations: The development and deployment of the customs clearance platform, ‘B’Odogwu,’ have revolutionized operations, processing billions in transactions during its pilot phase.

Adeniyi reaffirmed that these advancements align with global best practices and the Nigerian government’s policy goals, emphasizing efficiency and security as core drivers of economic growth.

Future-Driven Initiatives

Looking ahead, the NCS is gearing up for even greater milestones, guided by the 2025 theme: “Customs Delivering on Its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” Adeniyi highlighted several transformative plans:

Nationwide Trade Modernization: Expanding innovative solutions across all ports.
Enhanced Risk Management: Leveraging advanced, technology-driven systems to improve trade safety.
Establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service University for Trade and Technology: A game-changing step for customs education and innovation.

💬 “We are united in our mission to create a more secure and prosperous Nigeria through efficient service delivery,” Adeniyi said.

Strengthening Partnerships for National Security

In his keynote address, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, stressed the critical role of Customs in ensuring national security. He lauded their collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the synergy as essential for success.

💬 “Security cannot be achieved without Customs because they safeguard every aspect of human life,” Musa remarked. He commended the NCS for embracing innovation, best practices, and international cooperation to bolster customs operations nationwide.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of global trade, the NCS remains unwavering in its dedication to fostering efficiency, safeguarding the nation, and driving economic growth.

🌟 Join us in celebrating this monumental step toward a secure, efficient, and prosperous Nigeria!