Nigeria Customs Service Launches Port Reforms

The Nigeria===Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigeria===Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, has launched a comprehensive reform agenda to enhance port operations and boost Nigeria's trade competitiveness. The initiative, unveiled at a workshop in Apapa, focuses on a five-pillar strategy including joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, improved scanning systems, enforcement of service timelines, and stronger inter-agency collaboration. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, emphasized a shift from policy design to strict execution, with a reform execution matrix subject to continuous monitoring. Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, highlighted the importance of data-driven inspection systems to reduce business costs. The reforms aim to translate best practices into consistent operational outcomes across all commands, aligning Nigeria's port processes with global standards.