Esther Komolafe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new automated system for processing licences and permits, aimed at modernizing its operations and improving service delivery. The sensitization programme, held today 23rd of February 2026, at the Customs Training College Auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos, will acquaint stakeholders with the new digital system before its full implementation . The automation is designed to eliminate longstanding bottlenecks associated with manual processing, allowing importers, clearing agents, and freight forwarders to apply for or renew licences and permits digitally from any location. The system will provide real-time tracking of application status, reduce costs, and save…

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L. Aliyu, has announced the interception of four tankers loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and over 1,630 jerry cans of petrol valued at ₦40.75 million. The seized tankers, containing more than 159,000 litres of fuel, were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for sanctions, while the jerry cans were auctioned to the public to ensure transparency . The interceptions were made possible through intelligence-led surveillance and enforcement across notorious smuggling routes, including Aso-Odo, Seme, and Badagry. Aliyu emphasized that petroleum products are strategic commodities, and…

A prominent advocate for Nigeria's blue economy has expressed disappointment with the government's slow progress in developing the sector, nearly two years after the creation of the Ministry of Blue Economy. Speaking at an event, the expert emphasized the need for sensitization, advocacy, and investment in research and development to unlock the sector's potential. The blue economy, which encompasses aquatic resources and ecosystems, has the potential to generate significant revenue for Nigeria, rivaling that of customs services. However, the sector is plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of infrastructure. The expert highlighted several areas for improvement, including: Sensitization and advocacy…

The Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, Compt Frank Onyeka, has assured stakeholders that the command is ready to implement the Customs paperless operations, scheduled to commence in Q2 2026. Speaking with senior maritime journalists, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized his commitment to facilitating trade, stating "I want to be known as a trade facilitator personified". The command generated N609 billion in revenue last year, with January seeing a N29.9 billion increase compared to the previous year. Onyeka attributed this growth to the command's efforts to enhance trade facilitation and ease of doing business. The paperless regime aims to streamline customs…

The Nigeria Customs Service has suspended a proposed 20-fold increase in licensing fees for customs agents, following an emergency meeting with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). The fee hike, announced in 2025, would have seen new license fees jump from N515,000 to N10 million, and annual renewal fees increase from N215,000 to N4 million . ANLCA President Emenike Nwokeoji confirmed the suspension, stating that the association had reached a common ground with Customs to maintain the old fee structure. The decision was made during an emergency National Executive Council meeting in Lagos. The proposed hike had sparked…

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 kilograms of cocaine valued at ₦1 billion, reinforcing its crackdown on narcotics trafficking. The seizure was made on February 10, 2026, by vigilant operatives along the Badagry-Seme axis. Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi commended the operatives for their professionalism and commitment to duty. The suspect and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. Seme Customs Controller Wale Adenuga warned smugglers that the border corridor is a restricted zone, with intensified surveillance and enforcement operations making it hostile…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform, a digital solution aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and reducing cargo clearance time. The platform will centralize risk management and documentation, making trade processes more efficient and transparent. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the NCS will go fully paperless by the end of Q2 2026, with the OSS platform being the first step towards this goal. The platform he said , will consolidate valuation, customs processing, intelligence, and enforcement into a single workflow, supported by digital tracking and automated alerts. According to the CGC in his…

The Lagos Free Zone has launched a game-changing Green Channel initiative, allowing containers destined for the zone to be transported directly from the port without delays or bureaucracy. This exclusive facility enables enterprises to receive cargo within 48-72 hours, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Managing Director Adesuwa Ladoja explained that the Green Channel is a first-of-its-kind facility in Nigeria, providing a seamless and transparent process for cargo movement. The initiative is expected to boost trade, attract investments, and enhance Nigeria's ease of doing business. The Lagos Free Zone has 38 enterprises and can handle 1.2 million TEUs annually. The zone…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the Green Channel initiative, aimed at streamlining port operations and reducing the time and cost of doing business. The initiative allows containers to be moved directly from vessels to a dedicated examination area, eliminating delays and inefficiencies. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the Green Channel is a result of trust and confidence built with stakeholders, enabling seamless trade facilitation. The initiative is expected to boost revenue, reduce costs, and create a more competitive economy. The Green Channel will operate in designated areas, with containers tracked and monitored online, ensuring transparency…

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) have joined forces to streamline port processes and reduce cargo dwell time to 7 days. The three-day high-level stakeholder engagement in Lagos aimed to identify and address operational inefficiencies, with officials observing real-time vessel berthing and cargo clearance operations. PEBEC Director General Zahrah Mustapha emphasized that the initiative will unlock Nigeria's economic potential, creating jobs and driving growth. The NPA's Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted progress, including the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS) to eliminate manual bottlenecks. The NPA achieved a 100% success rate in…