The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced the automation of its licences and permits processes, describing the initiative as a major step toward faster and more transparent service delivery.
Speaking at the Zonal Sensitisation Programme held at the in Ikeja, Lagos, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, B. Mohammed, said the exercise marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Service’s engagement with stakeholders.
He disclosed that the Comptroller-General of Customs, , approved the full automation of the licences and permits processes in response to longstanding concerns over delays, paperwork, and manual bottlenecks.
According to him, the new system will allow stakeholders to apply for and renew licences and permits online without visiting Customs offices. He added that applications will now be processed faster, with real-time tracking and a uniform procedure designed to ensure fairness and eliminate errors associated with manual documentation.
The sensitisation programme, which is being conducted simultaneously across all Customs zones, is aimed at preparing stakeholders for a seamless transition to the digital platform.
Mohammed noted that Zone ‘A’, covering Lagos and its environs, remains the most economically active zone in the country, making it critical for the automation process to succeed there.
He urged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and relay the information to their associations to ensure widespread understanding of the new system.
The Customs boss reaffirmed that the Service is committed not just to automating processes but transforming service delivery for Nigeria’s trade community.
The programme continues with technical sessions to guide stakeholders through the operational framework of the new automated platform.