The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received widespread commendation from key industry stakeholders for implementing reforms that are significantly boosting trade efficiency across the country. The praises came during the 2025 NCS Trade Facilitation Stakeholders Consultative Forum held on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos, which also marked the first anniversary of the Advanced Ruling Programme.
The forum, themed “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology,” served as a platform to assess the progress of NCS reforms and promote sustainable trade practices in line with global standards.
Speaking at the event, several stakeholders highlighted how initiatives introduced by the Customs Service have improved transparency, predictability, and speed in trade processes. Among these reforms are the Advanced Ruling System, Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Time Release Study (TRS), and the digital trade portal B’Odogwu.
One participant, Olatomiwa Olafaremi, praised the seamlessness of the new trade processes, particularly the Advanced Ruling Programme. “There have been initial challenges, as expected with any new system, especially at terminals. However, the support from customs controllers and operational officers has been exceptional. The system works without needing to know anyone in authority, and that’s a big win for transparency,” he stated.
In a keynote address, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to aligning with international trade obligations. Represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, Adeniyi said the reforms support agreements such as the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, the Harmonised System Convention of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), and the WTO Agreement on Rules of Origin.
“These agreements are central to our role in collecting duties and facilitating legitimate trade,” Adeniyi noted. “However, classifying tariffs, determining valuation, and assessing origin are complex tasks that, if not well managed, can lead to costly disputes and delays.”
He stressed that the Customs Service is addressing these complexities through digitisation and stakeholder collaboration, which are critical for reducing commercial fraud, revenue leakages, and policy enforcement lapses.
In line with this year’s forum theme, Adeniyi also declared Nigeria’s support for the WCO Green Customs Initiative, which seeks to ease the cross-border movement of eco-friendly and sustainable goods. “Our customs administration is committed to advancing trade in renewable energy technologies and complying with emerging environmental trade protocols,” he said.
Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Mr. Charles Orbih, highlighted the government’s focus on stakeholder trust and policy continuity. “Through collaboration and innovation, we are consolidating the gains of the Advanced Ruling Programme, while tackling challenges in real time. This event embodies our inclusive approach,” he added.
Stakeholders agree that the trade facilitation reforms are not only improving clearance processes but also aiding economic diversification and job creation, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) now able to participate in global supply chains.
Experts also called for sustained support from government and private sector actors to expand the reach of customs automation systems across all ports and border posts. Improved infrastructure, policy continuity, and inter-agency cooperation were identified as critical pillars for sustaining the gains achieved so far.
As Nigeria continues to confront challenges related to customs revenue targets, import substitution, and e-commerce expansion, the NCS’s efforts to reform its operations offer hope for a more efficient and inclusive trade environment.
With stakeholders expressing renewed confidence in the Customs Service, observers say the next step should be a wider public awareness campaign to educate traders on how to fully benefit from these reforms.