By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), is shifting to a risk-based cargo inspection system aimed at reducing delays and lowering the cost of doing business at the nation’s ports.
The move, unveiled at a three-day operational workshop in Apapa on Tuesday, marks a transition from routine physical examination of all consignments to intelligence-led processes that target high-risk cargo.
A statement on Wednesday by spokesperson of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, quotes the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi as saying that the Service is now focused on implementing practical reforms that will deliver faster and more transparent clearance for traders.
“This workshop is about closing the distance between knowing and doing. The Service must now focus on translating established best practices into consistent operational outcomes,” he said.
Adeniyi explained that the reform forms part of a broader five-pillar strategy, including joint inspections, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and improved inter-agency coordination.
He added that a reform execution matrix would be developed and closely monitored to ensure compliance and measurable results.
Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, stressed the importance of data-driven inspection systems, noting that efficient border processes are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
“We must move from inspecting everything to inspecting the right thing,” she said.
Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, noted that the Service’s evolving mandate places it at the centre of trade facilitation and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Customs and PEBEC delegation used the opportunity to visit the National Single Window facility to assess progress and engage stakeholders on improving port operations.
