ZAINAB JUNAID
As part of its drive to enhance seamless operations and ease trade processes for Stakeholders in the industry, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally introduced its One-Stop-Shop Initiative at Zone A.
The initiative is a central platform for intelligence gathering and coordination, and also houses all subunits within the NCS, ensuring a more efficient and coordinated approach to Customs operations.
The event which was held at Apapa Area Command of the Service on Thursday, 13 November 2025, brought together key Stakeholders including Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede; Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port; Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Apapa Customs Area Controller; Comptroller Peter Ntadi, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command.
Others include: representatives of freight-forwarder associations, terminal operators, and licensed Customs agents, who lauded the initiative as a welcome innovation for the trading community even as they outlined their concerns.
Speaking during the Launch, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, described the platform as a smarter, technology-driven approach to cargo clearance, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.
He explained that the OSS platform brings all relevant Customs Units under one operational roof, allowing joint review, examination, and decision-making at a single point of contact.
To him, the initiative is backed by the B’Odogwu digital platform, and it enables real-time data sharing, centralised documentation, analytical reporting, and seamless trader engagement through the Customs portal.
“The OSS would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that often delay cargo release, ensuring that every flagged declaration is handled transparently and collaboratively,” he stated.
While commending the ICT team for the successful rollout of the initiative, the ACG described it as a milestone in the Service’s modernisation drive.
He noted that its success will rely solely on the integrity of the implementation. He therefore called on Customs officials and the trading community to efficiently utilise the process.ader engagement through the Customs portal.
According to the Service, the innovation is expected to reduce cargo dwell time to an average of 48 hours per shipment, cut demurrage costs for importers, and foster accountability in port operations.
With the OSS now operational, the NCS says it is reinforcing its commitment to “strengthening trade for national growth” through technology-enabled reforms that align with international best practices.
