By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has launched a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at enhancing port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The initiative was unveiled during a three-day operational workshop held in Apapa on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The workshop, themed “Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline,” brought together key stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector to chart a new course for improved service delivery.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, outlined a five-pillar strategy designed to drive the reforms. According to him, the focus areas include joint cargo inspections, risk-based clearance processes, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, strict enforcement of service timelines, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies.
Adeniyi stressed that the Service is shifting from policy formulation to effective implementation, noting that the success of the initiative would depend on consistent execution. He added that the reforms are aimed at translating existing best practices into measurable operational outcomes that will benefit traders and the wider economy.
He further highlighted the Service’s transition to intelligence-led cargo processing, explaining that ongoing investments in digital platforms and scanning systems must result in faster, more transparent cargo clearance procedures.
To ensure accountability, the Comptroller-General disclosed that the workshop would produce a reform implementation matrix, which will be closely monitored. He urged officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and commitment in carrying out their duties.
In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, emphasised the need for a shift towards risk-based and data-driven inspection systems. She noted that efficient and transparent border processes are critical to reducing the cost of doing business and improving Nigeria’s global trade standing.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the evolving mandate of the Service places it at the heart of trade facilitation and economic growth. She added that operational efficiency must be reflected across all customs commands nationwide.
As part of the engagement, the NCS and PEBEC delegation visited the National Single Window facility, where they held discussions with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, and other stakeholders to review progress and address operational challenges.
The reform agenda is expected to significantly improve port operations, reduce delays in cargo clearance, and create a more business-friendly environment for investors and traders in Nigeria.
