By Omolabake Cole
Lagos, Feb. 23, ’26 (TNZ) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged freight forwarders to adopt its automated license and permits processing system to reduce the cost of doing business.
TheNewsZenith reports that an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Muhammed Babadede, made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement on automation on Monday in Lagos.
Babadede said the reform responds to longstanding demands for faster, more transparent and simpler procedures for industry stakeholders.
According to him, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, had approved full automation of the Service’s licenses and permits processes.
“For years, stakeholders dealt with paperwork, long queues and uncertainty from manual processing. Those days are coming to an end.
“This sensitisation is across all zones. The goal is to ensure stakeholders understand the automated system before implementation,” TheNewsZenith quotes Babadede as saying.
He said automation would enable applications and renewals from offices or mobile phones, eliminating visits to customs formations.
ACG Babadede assured stakeholders of a fair and consistent process, reducing errors associated with manual documentation. He added that the automation would improve record-keeping, supervision and service delivery without increasing pressure on officers.
Babadede, also representing Deputy Comptroller-General, Tariff and Trade, CK Naigwan, reiterated NCS management’s commitment to seamless implementation.
Comptroller of Customs, License and Permit Unit, Dr Ngozika Anozie, praised the Comptroller-General for driving innovation within the Service.
Anozie said automation aligned Customs procedures with global best practice and strengthens institutional efficiency.
According to her, the reform reflects the three-point agenda of the Chairman of the World Customs Organisation, Adeniyi, centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
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She said the system would enhance ease of doing business in the maritime sector and boost national revenue generation.
“Automation will cut business costs and reduce travel risks for stakeholders.
“They will no longer travel repeatedly to Abuja, paying for transport, hotels and feeding to process licences and permits,” TheNewsZenith quotes Anozie as saying.
She said the platform would automatically reject fake documents and accept genuine submissions, curbing fraudulent practices.
“The CGC is determined to sanitise the system, and we are committed to achieving that objective,” she added.
Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Ibrahim Usman, said the License and Permit Unit operates under the Tariff and Trade Department.
He explained that the unit ensures proper issuance of licenses and permits and compliance with import regulations.
Usman said all licenses and permits expire on Dec. 31 of their issuance year. He added that the portal would become fully operational after nationwide sensitisation, with stakeholders duly informed.
Giving a votes of thanks, Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, thanked stakeholders for their continued support.
Onyeka urged them to take the exercise seriously to achieve seamless processing across Customs operations.
Stakeholders raised concerns about online payment integration and potential technical disruptions. (TNZ)
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