• Frieght Forwarders urged to embrace reform
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun full automation of its Licences and Permits processing system in a move to reduce the cost of doing business, curb fraud and enhance trade facilitation.
The reform, approved by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, is part of the service’s broader e-Customs modernisation drive aimed at digitalising procedures, improving efficiency and eliminating manual applications across ports and border stations.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum in Lagos, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, who represented the CG, said the initiative would allow importers, clearing agents and other traders to apply for and renew licences online without visiting Customs offices. He said the system would enable real-time tracking of applications, ensure faster processing and guarantee a fair and consistent procedure.
Babandede described the reform as a response to longstanding complaints about paperwork, delays and lack of transparency in manual processing, adding that nationwide sensitisation was ongoing ahead of full implementation.
He urged freight forwarders and licensed agents to embrace the automated portal, describing their cooperation as critical to the success of the reform. According to him, adoption of the digital platform would not only simplify compliance but also reduce travel costs, eliminate avoidable delays and improve overall efficiency in cargo clearance.
Babandede assured stakeholders that Customs would continue to provide technical support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition, stressing that the service was committed to sustained engagement to address operational concerns that may arise during implementation.
Comptroller of the Licences and Permits Unit, Dr Ngozika Anozie, said the dedicated portal would streamline submissions, improve compliance and automatically detect fraudulent documents. She added that the platform would also cross-check unpaid assessments before processing applications.
According to her, the automation aligns with the Comptroller-General’s three-point agenda of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, and is expected to boost revenue generation, as every licence and permit issued translates into government earnings.
Customs officials said officers across Area Commands had been trained for the rollout, while stakeholders were provided with handbooks and guides to facilitate adoption.
Representatives of freight forwarding groups, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), attended the engagement and raised concerns about online payment integration and possible technical disruptions. Customs management assured them of continued engagement to ensure seamless nationwide implementation.
