Customs Urges Freight Forwarders to Adopt Automated Licence, Permit System

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged freight forwarders to adopt its automated Licence and Permits Processing system to reduce the cost of doing business.

This advice was given by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Muhammed Babadede, during a stakeholders’ engagement on automation held in Lagos on Monday.

He noted that the reform responds to longstanding demands for faster, more transparent and simpler procedures for industry stakeholders, disclosing that Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, has approved the full automation of the service’s licences 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,” Mr Babadede said.

He said automation would enable applications and renewals from offices or mobile phones, eliminating visits to customs formations, assuring stakeholders of a fair and consistent process, and reducing errors associated with manual documentation.

He said automation would improve record-keeping, supervision and service delivery without increasing pressure on officers.

The Deputy Comptroller-General, Tariff and Trade, CK Naigwan, also represented by Mr Babadede, reiterated management’s commitment to seamless implementation.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller of Customs for Licence and Permit Unit, Mrs Ngozika Anozie, praised the Comptroller-General for driving innovation within the Service, saying the automation aligns 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, Mr Adeniyi, centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

She said the system would enhance the 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,” she said, adding that 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,” Mrs Anozie said.

On his part, the Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Mr Ibrahim Usman, said the Licence and Permit Unit operates under the Tariff and Trade Department.

He explained that the unit ensures proper issuance of licences and permits and compliance with import regulations.

Mr Usman said all licences and permits expire on December 31 of their issuance year.

He added that the portal would become fully operational after nationwide sensitisation, with stakeholders duly informed.

Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Mr Frank Onyeka, thanked stakeholders for their continued support.

He 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.

Officials addressed the questions and pledged continued engagement to ensure smooth implementation nationwide.