The Nigeria Customs Service is reducing its reliance on physical cargo inspections at ports as it moves towards a post clearance audit system aimed at speeding up trade and improving revenue collection.
Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi said the reform was necessary as Customs targets N11.074 trillion in revenue for 2026. The service had collected N4.3 trillion by June.
Adeniyi explained that inspecting every container could create delays and make revenue collection and trade facilitation difficult to achieve at the same time. Under the new approach, compliant traders would be allowed to move their goods while Customs verifies their declarations through audits after clearance.
The News Chronicle reports that a Customs time release study at Tin Can Island Port found containers spent an average of about five days before leaving the port, although physical examinations took only a few hours.
Adeniyi attributed much of the delay to manual processes, waiting time and poor coordination between agencies.
He remarked that the audit results would also enhance the risk management system of Customs which helps customs officers identify high risk consignments for inspection while allowing legitimate businesses to pass without interference.
The reforms have the support of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and are in line with international standards of trade facilitation.
Adeniyi therefore urged importing businesses to keep proper records and make true statements to avoid liabilities.
