The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has praised Nigeria’s Time Release Study (TRS) as a critical reform tool capable of improving border efficiency, strengthening trade competitiveness and enhancing national security across Africa.
The commendation was given by the WCO Secretary-General, Mr Ian Saunders, on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the presentation of the TRS Report at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
Saunders described the study as a practical and evidence-based initiative that provided Nigeria with clear insights into its cargo clearance processes and areas required improvement. He noted that the TRS, implemented under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, translates policy objectives into measurable operational results.
According to him, the findings of the study present Nigeria with opportunities to strengthen its economy and safety through improved border management.
He explained that the Time Release Study is one of the WCO’s core performance tools used globally to promote transparency, predictability and efficiency without compromising security.
The WCO Chief also stressed that the successful implementation of the study’s recommendations required strong collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators and the trading community.
In her keynote address, the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the study aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to data-driven reforms aimed at reducing transaction costs and improving trade efficiency.
She described the TRS as a strategic policy instrument that supports evidence-based decision-making, smarter regulation and better coordination among border agencies.
Uzoka-Anite added that efficient clearance processes are essential for boosting investor confidence and driving economic growth, noting that global trade competitiveness depends on speed, certainty and compliance.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for taking the lead in addressing operational bottlenecks and strengthening trade facilitation.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service has begun institutionalising the Time Release Study as part of its ongoing reform agenda.
He explained that the study provides reliable data on cargo dwell time, helping Customs and partner agencies to eliminate delays, streamline procedures and improve service delivery.
“The Time Release Study allows us to move from assumptions to facts and shows exactly where reforms must be focused,” Adeniyi said.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict security and compliance standards.
Meanwhile, a representative of the United Kingdom High Commission commended the Nigeria Customs Service for adopting WCO trade facilitation tools, noting that the initiative is supported by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Similarly, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Mr Dera Nnadi, said the findings of the study would guide operational reforms, policy adjustments and infrastructure development.
He added that Customs would continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a more predictable, transparent and efficient trade environment in Nigeria.
