Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to prioritising trade facilitation through more straightforward and more efficient port clearance procedures.
He made this statement while addressing stakeholders and senior Customs officers during a sensitization programme on the One-Stop-Shop initiative held in Apapa.
According to ACG Babandede, the engagement was designed to promote collaboration and mutual understanding between the Service and its stakeholders. “The purpose of this event is to carry you along on our new system. Each time we roll out a new process, it is our policy to engage our partners so that you are fully informed,” he said.
He emphasised that all Customs policies are designed to support freight forwarders and facilitate smooth cargo movement. “Whatever we do is aimed at ensuring that cargo exits the ports as quickly as possible. Today provides an opportunity to hear from you on how we can serve you better,” he said.
ACG Babandede explained that the new One-Stop Shop system was developed in partnership with the World Customs Organisation to enhance efficiency and improve the user experience.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, stated that the discussions and feedback from the workshop would guide the successful implementation of the initiative.
“Your contributions will be carefully considered for incorporation into the implementation plan. I want to assure you that the Apapa Area Command is fully committed to the success of the OSS initiative,” Comptroller Oshoba said.
The sensitisation session, attended by Area Controllers in Zone A, featured a technical presentation by the Project Manager and Technical Supervisor, Assistant Comptroller Olawale Onighanjo, who provided further insights into the operational framework of the system.
