Trade Facilitation: Customs Okays Lagos Free Zone Green Channel

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has approved the activation of the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel to enable the seamless and controlled movement of Free Zone cargo directly from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ).

This development makes LFZ the first and only zone in the country to operate a sanctioned green channel, reflecting globally recognised port-to-free-zone logistics and customs integration models successfully implemented in leading trade hubs in the Middle East and Asia.

With this, businesses in the Lagos Free Zone can now scale their industrial output with total peace of mind, as every consignment is protected by an unbroken chain of 24/7 CCTV surveillance, telemetry, and tamper-evident digital logs that ensure absolute cargo integrity.

This integration not only secures the supply chain but also builds unrivalled investor confidence by establishing a transparent, high-compliance trade environment monitored directly by the customs.

For manufacturers and distributors, the outcome is a predictable, ultra-fast logistics flow that solidifies LFZ as the most efficient regional hub for Nigerian and West African operations.

“This approval is a testament to our commitment to trade modernisation. The Lagos Free Zone Green Channel will enhance Customs visibility while significantly improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones,” the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi,” stated.

On her part, the chief executive of LFZ, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, said, “The activation of the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel is the latest testament to our customer-centricity and our commitment to continually deliver enhanced ease of doing business for our tenants.

“The Green Channel solidifies the advantages of Lekki Deep Sea Port being physically and digitally integrated into our zone. We have effectively removed the ‘last mile’ uncertainty that has historically challenged Nigerian logistics.

“Our tenants no longer need to navigate the complexities of traditional port exits; instead, they benefit from a high-velocity, customs-integrated corridor that moves cargo with precision and speed.

“This is a game-changer for manufacturing and regional distribution, reinforcing Lagos Free Zone as the premier gateway for those looking to dominate the West African market.”