The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a major trade facilitation reform aimed at drastically reducing cargo clearance time at Nigerian ports from an average of 21 days to just 48 hours. The new One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative, which will be piloted at the Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne ports, is expected to simplify processes, reduce costs, and boost efficiency for importers, exporters, and small businesses.
The OSS was unveiled on September 23 during a meeting between Customs management and Area Controllers in Abuja and later announced via the Service’s official communication channels. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise port operations, align with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy, and comply with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Under the new system, all Customs units will jointly process flagged declarations in a single location, eliminating multiple checks that often cause delays and increase costs. Once goods are cleared through the OSS, they will not be subject to re-interception, providing more predictability and faster turnaround times. The agency said the reform is fully backed by the NCS Act 2023 and designed to streamline operations, remove duplication, and enhance transparency.
The Customs leadership also announced the adoption of a centralised dashboard to monitor clearance timelines, track interventions, and measure stakeholder satisfaction. This move is expected to improve accountability and allow businesses to plan logistics with greater accuracy.
For MSMEs engaged in import and export, the OSS is a significant shift that could directly impact their bottom line. Delays in clearing goods have long increased costs, tied up working capital, and disrupted supply chains for small businesses. By cutting clearance time to 48 hours, the reform promises faster delivery of raw materials and products, improved cash flow, and more competitive operations for local enterprises.
The new initiative is part of a wider digital transformation strategy by the NCS. Earlier in September, the Service launched an automated overtime e-clearance system to address port congestion and speed up the handling of long-standing cargo. The platform reduces manual intervention and corruption risks, further strengthening trade facilitation efforts.
Area Controllers have pledged full support for the pilot phase, describing the OSS as a timely and necessary reform to reposition Customs for more efficient service delivery. If successful, the initiative will be rolled out nationwide, potentially transforming Nigeria’s port ecosystem and creating a more enabling environment for trade-driven growth, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
