The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it will in February 2024, launch the Time Release Study (TRS), a document which aims at optimizing cargo clearance processes as well as reducing the time it takes for goods to be released, at the nation’s ports.
Disclosing this at the weekend on the sideline of the 2024 International Customs Day held in Lagos, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi revealed that all the agencies in the ports have been notified about the TRS to ensure accurate measurement of the time it takes to do business at Nigerian ports.
According to the Customs CG, “The chosen theme for this year 2024 International Customs Day ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,’ aligns with our core objectives as outlined in the 3-point agenda: consolidating, deploying innovative solutions, and collaborating with stakeholders. “This agenda has been our guiding framework over the past 7 months, steering our Customs activities under my administration.
“Moreso, the recent Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC’s) Conference in December 2023 stands as a testament to the success of this approach, resulting in substantial achievements through in-depth interactions with our valued stakeholders.
“The Lagos Continental Declaration document was a product of exhaustive consultations with stakeholders. This document is presently undergoing implementation.
“Initial measures, including the resolution of multiple alerts, reduction of Customs checkpoints, and improvement of officer conduct, have been actively undertaken.
“Additional components of the declaration will be pursued with thoroughness, and we anticipate completing due diligence by the end of the first quarter of this year.
“Our commitment to implementing these resolutions remains firm. Activities centred on stakeholders, as previously committed, will soon be fully operational, illustrating our dedication to concrete actions.
“In February 2024, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme implementation will reach advanced stages. This will be followed by the introduction of the Advanced Ruling(AR). Additionally, the establishment of a Customs laboratory will commence with a workshop scheduled in Gwagwalada next week. These initiatives represent concrete steps toward strengthening our relationships with stakeholders.
