NCS, PEBEC Launch Reform Agenda to Improve Port Efficiency

By Linda Ike

The Nigeria Customs Service and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council have launched a results-driven reform agenda aimed at improving port efficiency, speeding up cargo clearance, and boosting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

The initiative was unveiled at a three-day operational workshop in Apap, themed “Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.”

Comptroller-General of Customs,.Adewale Adeniyi said the Service is now focused on execution rather than policy design, stressing that the goal is to turn long-standing best practices into measurable operational results.

He outlined a five-pillar reform plan covering joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and stronger inter-agency coordination.

According to him, the new approach is intended to replace slow, paper-heavy procedures with intelligence-led cargo processing that is faster, more transparent, and more efficient for traders.

Adeniyi also said the workshop would produce a reform implementation matrix that would be closely monitored, adding that professionalism, commitment, and integrity would be expected from officers at every level.

PEBEC Director-General, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu backed the initiative, saying border processes must become more risk-based and data-driven to reduce the cost of doing business.

She said the country must move from inspecting everything to inspecting the right thing, noting that efficient border management is key to stronger trade performance.

Deputy Comptroller-General, Caroline Niagwan said Customs now sits at the centre of trade facilitation and economic growth, adding that operational efficiency must be reflected across all commands.

The Customs and PEBEC delegation also visited the National Single Window facility, where they met with Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji and other stakeholders to assess progress and identify operational gaps.