Raheem Ibrahim.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled key reforms in its licensing and permit system, describing the initiative as a major step toward enhancing port efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference and Awards of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, CSC LA Abdullahi, said the new regime aligns with global best practices and supports the conference theme, “Attaining Port Efficiency in the Face of Emerging Technology.”
According to Abdullahi, modern port efficiency goes beyond cargo handling to include automation, compliance integrity, transparency, and seamless interaction among stakeholders.
He noted that the reforms, championed by the leadership of the NCS, are designed to modernize trade processes and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.
He explained that the previous manual licensing system was plagued by delays, administrative bottlenecks, and fraudulent practices, which increased the cost of doing business. The transition to a fully automated system, he said, marks a significant shift toward efficiency and accountability.
The new licensing and permit regime is anchored on a centralized digital portal that enables end-to-end electronic processing of applications, renewals, approvals, and compliance monitoring. Stakeholders can now obtain permits—including import and export licenses, bonded terminal approvals, warehouse permits, and excise licenses—without physical visits.
Abdullahi highlighted digital verification as a key feature of the system, noting that it eliminates fake permits and ensures authenticity of submitted documents. Licenses are now valid annually, expiring on December 31, a move aimed at strengthening compliance and regulatory oversight.
He added that the system integrates with major trade platforms such as Form M, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), authorized dealer banks, and the Single Window system, thereby reducing duplication and improving coordination among regulatory agencies.
The Customs spokesperson said the reform has already begun to improve port operations by enabling pre-arrival processing, reducing cargo clearance delays, and minimizing human interference.
He also noted that enhanced data management would provide better visibility into trade activities, revenue streams, and compliance patterns.Despite the benefits, Abdullahi acknowledged challenges in implementation, including digital literacy gaps among stakeholders, resistance to change, and the need for sustained awareness campaigns.
He emphasized the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement, education, and policy clarity to ensure the success of the initiative.
He also underscored the role of maritime journalists in driving the reform, urging members of AMJON to act as policy interpreters and public educators by promoting accurate information and countering misinformation.
Abdullahi concluded that the new licensing and permit regime is a strategic national reform aimed at improving trade efficiency, safeguarding government revenue, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global trade environment.
“Port efficiency begins with documentation integrity, compliance, and trust,” he said, adding that embracing digital transformation is critical to the future of Nigeria’s ports.
Meanwhile, AMJON honoured the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command with the “Most Articulate & Strategic Customs Image Maker of the Year 2026” award.
Presenting the award, AMJON officials commended Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola for his outstanding contributions to public communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement within the NCS.
They noted that his strategic approach to information dissemination and crisis communication has significantly enhanced the public image of Customs operations, particularly within the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
According to the association, the award reflects his consistency in delivering clear, timely, and accurate information, as well as his role in bridging the gap between the Service and the trading public.
Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola, who joined the NCS in 2011 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, has built a strong career in public relations and strategic communication.
Over the years, he has served as Command Public Relations Officer in the Oyo/Osun and Kano/Jigawa Area Commands before his current posting in Lagos.
Born on October 10, 1984, he hails from Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, began his education at Staff Nursery and Primary School, Ijanikin, and later attended Egan High School, Lagos.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University and an Executive MBA from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola has participated in several professional training programmes aimed at strengthening his expertise in media relations and strategic communication.
In his response, the award recipient expressed appreciation to AMJON for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to further enhance professionalism and transparency in the discharge of his duties. He reaffirmed his commitment to effective communication and stakeholder engagement in support of the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate.
