Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, has launched a results-driven reform agenda to improve operational efficiency and enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness through better-performing ports.
Okay News reports that the initiative was unveiled at a three-day operational workshop in Apapa themed “Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.” Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi outlined a five-pillar strategy focused on joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and strengthened inter-agency coordination.
Adeniyi emphasised the transition to intelligence-led cargo processing, noting that investments in digital platforms and scanning systems must translate into faster and more transparent clearance processes for traders. He stressed that the priority is no longer policy design but consistent execution, adding that the reform implementation matrix will be actively monitored with personal follow-up on progress reports.
PEBEC Director-General Zahrah Mustapha-Audu underscored the importance of adopting risk-based, data-driven inspection systems to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business. She stated that the country must move from inspecting everything to inspecting the right thing, noting that efficient border processes are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s trade position.
The Customs delegation also visited the National Single Window facility, where they met with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service and other stakeholders to assess progress and address operational gaps. This port efficiency reform aims to translate established best practices into consistent operational outcomes.
