Connect with us

Customs

ETO still impeding free access of export containers into port–Customs

— as government suspends NXP policy on export goods

Funso OLOJO
The Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command (LEXC), Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has reiterated the impediment which ETO system has continued to pose for the easy access of export containers into the Apapa port terminals.
Comptroller Odusanya lamented that despite the efforts of the Export command to facilitate fast process and entry of the export containers into the terminals for quick exportation to their different destinations, ETO has continued to slow down the process of quick evacuation from the export terminal.
While giving account of the activities of the command during the first quarter in 2025, the Customs Comptroller said the logistics challenge to evacuate the containers into the terminal has continued to hold back the exports.
ETO system is an electronic device that profiles the movement of container- laden trucks in a bid to facilitate their quick and seamless access into the terminals.
It was developed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and driven by its contractor, Truck Transit Park(TTP).
However, the Customs has accused the system of hampering free movement of exports into the terminals.
Odusanya said almost all the export containers still stranded at the export terminal have been cleared by the customs but could not be admitted into the Port as a result of slow admittance method of ETO system.
He said the situation is worsened due to the high volume of exports characteristically experienced during this period.
“You people, you are here with us that you can see that we have a lot of containers here, which all of them, almost 100 of them, have nothing to do with customs.
“Because as the volume is increasing, you can see a lot of export containers here.
“Now as you see them there, Customs has nothing to do with them.
“It is the logistic aspect of taking them inside the port that is holding them and the problem still  persist.
“Now we have more volume of export than before.
“This is a high season for exports.You understand the volume of export has also increased.
“We have not been able to achieve improvement in the admittance of export boxes into the port.
“Maybe before, we used to have like 100 export containers or thereabout, entering the port daily.
“But when the volume increases to like 200, 250 so they have to also step up their job there” the CAC declared.
He said his command is worried about the slow admittance of the boxes into the terminal and has therefore decided to engage the Apapa port management on how to resolve the problem and improve on the level of admittance of the boxes into the terminal.
 “As  the volume of exports is increasing, we will not fold our arms and sit down here.
“We need to go and meet those that are in charge of logistics to make sure that exporters’ goods do not stay here longer than necessary.
” Immediately we finish this press briefing, me and some of my team will be on our way to Apapa to meet the port Manager” Odusanya started.
The LEXC CAC however disclosed that the controversial Nigerian Export Proceed(NXP) form has been suspended.
He disclosed that ETO and the NXP have been the major drawbacks for exports processes at the terminal due to the delay they cause in processing and evacuating export containers from the export terminal.
The Customs chief however said the NPA and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which introduced the NXP, has seen reason with the Customs to halt the implementation of the policy.
“Again, it was a problem that was brought about by misunderstanding the NXP from the NPA side.
“As soon as we held that meeting, they were able to know that the way they designed it could not work that way.
“So it was suspended.
” So now we don’t have any NXP inhibiting the exporters from attaining their ETO  from the TTP
“So that’s why we don’t have that problem again.
“Again, not that it is uhuru yet, but we are always on top of any issue coming up so that we solve them because it’s a Central Bank policy.
“You see, the NXP issue came up between the Central Bank and the NPA for genuine reasons in such that they want a situation whereby all exports going out of the country, they make sure they bring back their proceeds.
“So with NXP to make sure that the dollars, the foreign exchange related to that goods is repatriated back to the country.
“But export is not as simplistic as that.
“It is not all exports that are commercial export, you understand that we have none- commercial exports like personal effects, repair and return and some others.
“And again, at the time that they are expecting the NXP to contain the list of containers before they can access the port, NXP does not have the list of containers at that period.
“And if they are to wait for the containers list to copulate on the NXP, many exporters may lose their contracts.
 “Some goods may turn bad, because it is when you get that one that you could  access the Port.
“The containers list will not come until maybe when the containers are already inside the port and about to be shipped away.
“Some may not even come until maybe the ship has already sailed

“Because there are some administrative processes that will take place before you get to the final destination where the container will copulate on the NXP.”The NPA, unlike Customs and agents, do not know all these details.

“But we Customs and the Agents know.
” The NPA and the CBN who brought this policy don’t know any of these technicalities”
” But we had a meeting and explained to them that not that the agents are afraid of NXP neither the Customs has anything to gain from the policy, but we told them the policy needs to be looked at holistically so that it would not have a drawback effect on the Federal government desire to encourage and promote exports.
” Now that they have now suspended it or maybe they cancelled it, I don’t know, I know they would be looking for an alternative way to effect the NXP policy so that it won’t have any negative effect on export processes” Odusanya explained.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
Continue Reading

Customs

Customs takes delivery, commissions 60- bed hospital donated by BUA Group in Bauchi

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, officially commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu / Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi, a 60-bed healthcare facility constructed and donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group.
The hospital, delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, is expected to significantly expand healthcare access for Customs officers, their families and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Describing the project as a strategic welfare investment, the CGC said the facility reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
 “This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers,” he stated.
“A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the intervention’s sustainability focus.
“ASR Africa is committed to impact-driven philanthropy,” he said. “Our partnership with the NCS demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector commitment aligns with institutional reform and clear developmental goals.”
Also delivering a message on behalf of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the commissioning as a boost to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services,” he said.
 “It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate entities.”
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a phased transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.
It was subsequently upgraded to a clinic, and later a medical centre, before a 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the CGC approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
Now equipped with seven clinical departments: Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, alongside Administrative and Health Information Management units, as well as Dental, Radiology and Nutrition units.
The hospital is projected to manage up to 300 patients per month during its first operational year.
Long-term expansion plans include advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures, positioning the facility as a referral centre across the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Continue Reading

Customs

Ahead of Customs’ paperless operations in June, Comptroller Onyeka declares Tin Can Customs trade enabler

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Barely few days after the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the Customs will migrate to paperless operations in June, 2026, the Tin Can command of the Service has made an elaborate preparation to key into the digital platform.
Even though, the Customs High Command is yet to release the blue print for the take -off of the digital revolution in goods clearance, the Controller of Tin Can Customs, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that his command is ready to hit the ground running.
To this end, Comptroller Onyeka has declared Tin Can Island Customs as a trade enabler where seamless operations will be the order of the day.
While speaking with the maritime media on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Onyeka stated that as long as an importer or his agent makes an honest declaration and the consignment is not flagged, such goods will leave the customs control within the 48 hours clearance time being envisaged by the Customs under its paperless operations regime.
Comptroller Onyeka further disclosed that his command will aim at collecting collectable revenue instead of maximum revenue which often leaves no room for trader to handle logistics costs and other sundry charges.
“By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure that the trader makes profit, return to the market and continues to contribute to the society.
“I want to be known as a trade enabler personified” Comptroller Onyeka enthused.
While making projection into the year 2026, the Customs chief said the command recorded a lot of positives in 2025 when it surpassed the revenue target for that year and when a record revenue collection of 26 billion was recorded in a single day, a feat that was unprecedented in the history of the command.
Onyeka said the command started the year 2026 on a good revenue trajectory with the collection of  N145. 9bn in January, representing a 25.3 percent increase when compared to the N116.4billon  collected in January 2025.
He acknowledged the support of the media for its “constructive reportage” which acted as a catalyst for the good performance of the command in 2025.
While soliciting for the continued support of journalists in 2026, Comptroller Onyeka said his officers have been well primed to confront the challenges ahead.
He dismissed the fears of possible network glitches which stakeholders expressed may hamper the success of the paperless operations, saying such eventuality will be surmounted just as the teething problems which plagued B’ Odogwu platform at take off were conquered.
“Despite the teething problems with B’Odogwu,  we have recorded tremendous success, so we are ready for the paperless operations.
“There could be network issues but I want to urge the trading public to build capacity.
“With that, you can complete container clearance entirely online, with no physical contact with customs officers.
“If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, there will be no reason to come and see anyone.
“We cannot guarantee a perfect system from day one, but those challenges will not stop us.
” The more traders declare correctly and honestly, the smoother this process becomes for everyone,” he declared while advising importers to palletise their consignments.
It could be recalled that while launching the Customs’ One- Stop- Shop(OSS) on Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service is advancing toward a fully paperless customs environment, with the first phase of digital clearance and documentation processes scheduled for rollout by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
“This platform is a deliberate shift from fragmented interventions to coordinated governance, from discretion to data, and from isolated actions to collective responsibility,” Adeniyi had declared.
 “Through this reform, we continue to build systems that support lawful trade, protect national interests and serve the economy with professionalism and integrity.” he concluded.
Continue Reading

Trending