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In a major step toward faster and more transparent port operations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Zone A, has unveiled its new One-Stop-Shop (OSS) system – a centralised framework designed to streamline interventions on flagged or non-compliant declarations and boost trade facilitation across Nigeria’s busiest ports.
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, formally launched the initiative on Thursday at the Apapa Port, describing it as “a smarter, technology-driven approach to cargo clearance that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.”
The OSS brings all relevant Customs units under one operational roof, allowing for joint review, examination, and decision-making at a single point of contact. Backed by the B’Odogwu digital platform, the system enables real-time data sharing, centralised documentation, analytical reporting, and seamless trader engagement through the Customs portal.
According to the NCS, 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.
ACG Babandede noted that the OSS would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that often delay cargo release, ensuring that every flagged declaration is handled transparently and collaboratively. He commended the Customs ICT team for their role in developing the platform, describing it as a milestone in the Service’s modernisation drive.
He, however, observed that the success of OSS will rely solely on the integrity of the implementation. He therefore called on Customs officials and the trading community to efficiently utilise the process.
The event was attended by key port stakeholders including Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port; Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Apapa Customs Area Command); Comptroller Peter Ntadi, Area Controller, Western Marine Command. Also present were 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.
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.
Giving his remarks on the OSS framework, a participating freight forwarder, Alhaji Kayode Aminu, wondered if the system would eliminate the additional layers of checks and interceptions outside the ports, highlighting the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) activities as distorting trade.
His words; “After we have gone through the OSS, are we still going to be intercepted by Customs units on the road? What’s the function of the CIU, Customs gate and other layers of checks before the consignments leave the ports.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Group, Chief Osita Chukwu drew the attention of Customs to delays outside the purview of the Service, noting that activities of Nigeria Police Force also interfere and increase the delays in the cargo clearance system.
In his remarks, the Apapa Customs boss, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, assured that the nation’s premier port will be a model Command for OSS.
