The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is advancing the One-Stop Shop (OSS) platform to streamline dispute resolution, enhance transparency, and improve trade facilitation. The initiative recently saw joint stakeholder sensitisation by Zones ‘B’ and ‘D’ in Kano to drive uniform adoption and deepen understanding of the platform.
One-Stop Shop: A Coordinated Approach
The OSS platform was introduced to institutionalise a coordinated, rule-based mechanism for resolving disputes arising from non-compliant customs declarations. The platform integrates relevant customs units and partner government agencies into a unified process, eliminating fragmentation and promoting accountability.
Nsikan Umoh, Coordinator of Zone ‘B’, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained:
“The platform integrates relevant Customs units and partner government agencies into a unified process. It eliminates fragmentation in dispute resolution, enhances transparency and promotes accountability.”
The initiative aligns with global best practices, Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, and the Federal Government’s priorities on ease of doing business and trade competitiveness.
Key Objectives and Benefits
The OSS platform is designed to:
- Shorten dispute-resolution timelines
- Limit discretionary interventions
- Strengthen stakeholder confidence in customs processes
- Provide a centralised and structured framework for risk management
“This engagement marks an important step in consolidating reforms under the 2026 strategic direction of the Comptroller-General,” ACG Umoh added, urging stakeholders to participate actively and provide feedback for consistent implementation.
Stakeholder Engagement in Kano
The programme in Kano, held at Bristol Palace Hotel, brought together officers and stakeholders from both Zones.
- Usman Adamu, Acting Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, emphasised Kano as a strategic commercial hub and highlighted that the OSS was inaugurated nationally on 13 February 2026 in Lagos.
- Representatives from the Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture welcomed the initiative, noting its consistency with international best practice.
- Richard Bassey of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority said predictable and efficient systems are critical for attracting investors.
- Hafiz Rilwan of Customs Licensed Agents (Kano Chapter) described the OSS as a centralised framework reducing the need for moving between multiple desks, improving compliance and operational efficiency.
Strategic Impact
The One-Stop Shop platform represents a shift from fragmented desk-based interventions to coordinated risk management, strengthening Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
By centralising dispute resolution and integrating multiple government agencies, the OSS is expected to:
- Improve efficiency at ports and border posts
- Reduce delays in cargo clearance
- Encourage compliance among traders and customs brokers
- Enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade
Key Highlights
- OSS platform implemented across Zones ‘B’ and ‘D’ in Kano
- Introduced to resolve disputes from non-compliant declarations
- Aligns with WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and global best practices
- Reduces cargo clearance delays and discretionary interventions
- Supports 2026 strategic reforms of the Comptroller-General of Customs
The programme underscores NCS’s commitment to modernising trade processes, enhancing transparency, and providing a business-friendly environment for domestic and international stakeholders.
