The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially rolled out its One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Initiative, a landmark reform aimed at slashing cargo clearance time from 21 days to just 48 hours. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, September 23, 2025, at a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, senior management, and Customs Area Controllers in Abuja.
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Describing the OSS as a “transformative shift”, Adeniyi explained that the reform aligns with global best practices and the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. He said the initiative would streamline operations, cut out duplication, and ensure transparency and predictability in Customs processes.
“The OSS initiative will not only shorten clearance time from 21 days to 48 hours, but it will also boost trader confidence, restore transparency, and make our operations more business-friendly,” the Customs boss stated.
Under the new system, all Customs Units will jointly handle flagged declarations, eliminating multiple checks and avoiding re-interceptions of already-cleared goods. This, Adeniyi noted, will reduce costs for traders and speed up trade facilitation.
The CGC also highlighted the importance of blending technology with direct officer engagement. “Technology has brought us far, but it cannot replace the value of face-to-face collaboration. Coming together under one roof strengthens our unity of purpose and ensures we speak with one voice,” he said.
The OSS Initiative will be piloted at Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Ports before expanding nationwide. It is backed by the NCS Act 2023 and fully aligned with the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Customs Area Controllers at the meeting welcomed the reform, describing it as timely and essential to repositioning the Service for greater efficiency. They pledged their support to ensure its success and to work together toward achieving the ambitious 48-hour clearance target.
