Customs Launches One-Stop-Shop Initiative To Reduce Cargo Clearance Time To 48 Hours
By Asuquo Nuwak
Customs Launches One-Stop-Shop Initiative To Reduce Cargo Clearance Time To 48 Hours
In an attempt to promote seamless trade facilitation for sustainable economic growth, and strengthen cargo clearance, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative at Apapa Customs Area Command, designed to reduce cargo dwell time to an average of 48 hours per shipment, minimise demurrage costs, and foster transparency across Customs operations.
Commenting during the event, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, described the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) as a “smarter technology-driven approach to cargo clearance that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.”
He commended the customs ICT team for developing the platform and urged officials and traders to utilise the system efficiently.
ACG Babandede further noted that the OSS system, supported by the B’Odogwu digital platform, will enable real-time data sharing, centralised documentation, analytical reporting, and seamless trader engagement through the customs portal.
That is not all, the system according to him, allows for joint review, examination, and decision-making in one location, while eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, stakeholders such as freight forwarders and terminal operators, who welcomed the initiative, also expressed concerns about additional layers of checks and interceptions outside the ports.
Aside from this, stakeholders urged the Service to address these issues to ensure the smooth implementation of the OSS system.
In his comment, a freight forwarder, Kayode Aminu, wondered if the system would eliminate the additional layers of checks and interceptions outside the ports, revealing the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) activities as distorting trade.
Indeed, Kayode Aminu asked after they have gone through the OSS, whether they will still be intercepted by customs units on the road? Moreover, he queried the function of the CIU, customs gate and other layers of checks before the consignments leave the ports.
Commenting further during the event, the National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Group, Osita Chukwu drew the attention of the customs to delays outside the purview of the Service, stressing that activities of the Nigeria Police often interfere and cause unnecessary delays in the cargo clearance system.
Dignitaries who were in attendance at the event were key port stakeholders including Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Customs Area Command, Comptroller Peter Ntadi, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, Customs Area Controller, Lekki Free Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, Customs Area Controller, PTML Area Command, and others.
The report said the Service has often reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade for national growth through technology-enabled reforms that align with international best practices.
According to the report, the OSS system is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the Service is expected to continue to monitor its implementation and address any challenges that may arise.
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