The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have strengthened collaboration to accelerate the digital transformation of port operations and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to establishing a fully paperless port system during a strategic meeting with the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Adeniyi explained that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks in cargo clearance while leveraging digital technologies to enhance trade efficiency and position Nigeria as a more competitive global trade hub.
According to him, the Service has institutionalised regular engagements with stakeholder groups, including the American Business Council Nigeria and other trade associations, to identify operational challenges and obtain feedback from businesses interacting with Customs at the nation’s ports.
He also disclosed that the NCS, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), recently conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) to assess the time and cost involved in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, using the Tin Can Island Port as a case study.
The study involved shipping companies, terminal operators, the Nigerian Ports Authority, licensed customs agents and financial institutions. Its findings were compiled in a report publicly launched on January 26, 2026.
“We deliberately involved every segment of the port community so that the findings would reflect the real operational environment. The report has provided valuable insights guiding ongoing reforms,” Adeniyi said.
On the issue of 24-hour port operations, the Customs boss noted that the initiative would only succeed with full participation from all operators within the logistics chain.
He recalled that earlier attempts faced challenges because critical stakeholders such as banks, shipping companies and terminal operators were not fully integrated into the system.
Adeniyi further revealed that most core Customs processes—including pre-arrival documentation, cargo declaration, duty payment and release communication—have already been digitised. However, delays still occur when some operators continue to rely on physical documentation.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in scanning technology and ICT infrastructure aimed at strengthening risk-based cargo management and reducing dependence on physical cargo examinations. Development partners such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization have encouraged Nigeria to expand the use of non-intrusive inspection technology in line with global best practices.
Earlier, Audu explained that PEBEC is implementing a 90-day Business Environment Enhancement Programme to address operational issues identified in its Business Facilitation Compliance Report released in November 2025.
She said the initiative aims to improve efficiency across business-facing government agencies by strengthening collaboration and eliminating operational bottlenecks affecting the ease of doing business in the country.
As part of the programme, PEBEC conducted a three-day operational assessment of port activities in Lagos in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority, observing cargo handling processes from vessel arrival to cargo exit while consulting widely with regulators and private-sector stakeholders.
“The exercise enabled us to identify key operational challenges affecting port efficiency and develop practical recommendations for improvement,” Audu stated.
Among the issues identified were the need for stronger coordination of joint vessel boarding by regulatory agencies, improved cargo inspection processes and wider adoption of technology in port operations.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said vessel arrival schedules already provide sufficient information for planning port operations.
According to her, effective use of such schedules would enable smarter deployment of Customs personnel rather than keeping officers stationed at terminals while awaiting vessel arrivals.
“The concept of 24-hour port operations should focus on smarter deployment of personnel based on vessel schedules, not merely extending working hours,” she said.
She added that the Service remains ready to address operational concerns raised through the PEBEC reporting platform, stressing that sustained collaboration between both institutions is essential to improving port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s business environment.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade reiterated the effectiveness of trade facilitation tools introduced by the Service to expedite cargo clearance for trusted traders, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advance Ruling Systems and One-Stop-Shop initiatives.
