Customs Rolls Out Automated Licence, Permit System in Zone C, Demands Strict Compliance

Bon Peters/

Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its digital transformation drive with a stakeholders’ engagement in Zone C on the automation of licences and permits, declaring that the success of the new system rests squarely on compliance by officers and industry operators.

The sensitisation programme, held on Tuesday, February 24, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, forms part of the Service’s broader E-Customs modernisation agenda championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. The reform is designed to streamline cargo clearance procedures, boost revenue generation, curb smuggling, and enhance trade facilitation.

In her welcome address, the Comptroller in charge of Licences and Permits, NJ Anozie, described the initiative as another milestone in the Service’s innovation-driven transformation.

She recalled that upon assuming office, the Comptroller-General articulated a three-point agenda — Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, which, she noted, has continued to guide reforms within the Service.

According to her, the automation of licence and permit applications, including fresh applications and renewals, aligns the Nigeria Customs Service with global best practices in customs administration, particularly at a time when the Comptroller-General also chairs the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Anozie outlined key benefits of the digital platform to include:
• Improved ease of doing business in the maritime sector
• Faster processing timelines
• Increased revenue assurance
• Reduced operational costs
• Lower risk exposure arising from physical document movement

She explained that the system is designed to automatically detect and reject fake documents while accepting genuine submissions, thereby minimising, if not eliminating, fraudulent practices.

Through the B’Odogwu platform, she added, the Licences and Permits unit can now view and verify assessments to ensure that companies applying for fresh licences or renewals do not have outstanding obligations.

“The success or otherwise of this automation depends largely on compliance,” she stressed, describing the process as simple and seamless. She noted that Bond Seat officers across Area Commands had already received prior training, though refresher engagement was necessary.

Anozie also urged the media to support the Service by disseminating accurate information about the new system.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (Tariff and Trade), CK Niagwan, fsi, represented by the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, emphasised that institutional reforms are products of deliberate planning and disciplined execution.

She described the automation of the licence and permit process as a core regulatory reform aimed at strengthening control, supervision, and authorisation of licensed operators within the customs environment.

“Through licensing, the Service defines standards, verifies compliance, and safeguards the integrity of its operations. The process must therefore be consistent, accountable, and resistant to manipulation,” she said.

The digital platform, she explained, introduces a structured framework that standardises registration by requiring Tax Identification Number (TIN) verification and comprehensive documentation of company information, directors, and field agents.

The system also establishes a defined workflow covering review, validation, approval, renewal, and compliance monitoring.

At the Command level, officers are mandated to examine each application systematically, verify directors, validate documents individually, and clearly state reasons where deficiencies exist. Approvals must equally be documented within the system to reinforce administrative discipline and reduce uncertainty.

At the Headquarters level, applications forwarded for higher consideration will undergo further structured scrutiny to ensure uniformity across Commands.

“Queries and rejections must be justified in writing. Final approvals are deliberate and recorded. Active, expired, blocked, and rejected licences are categorised for effective monitoring,” she said.

Niagwan cautioned that while the platform enhances efficiency, it does not replace discipline.

“The strength of this system will depend on the professionalism of officers who operate it and the compliance of stakeholders who use it,” she warned.

In her goodwill message, the Comptroller Administration, Zone C Headquarters, Ifeyinwa Edebeatu, described the initiative as a transformational milestone in the Service’s journey towards institutional modernisation, operational excellence, and innovation-driven service delivery.

She noted that customs administrations globally are leveraging technology to simplify procedures, reduce human interface, and enhance compliance, a trend the Nigeria Customs Service must continuously align with.

“Change may require adjustment, but progress demands adaptation. Together, we can ensure that the transition to an automated Licences and Permits process is seamless, inclusive, and beneficial to all parties,” she said.

The engagement featured technical presentations by facilitators from Customs Headquarters, a robust question-and-answer session, and a vote of thanks delivered by the Customs Area Controller, Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Area 5, Comptroller Usman Yahaya.

Speaking on the sidelines, stakeholders commended the initiative but urged the Service to eliminate potential bottlenecks to ensure smooth and seamless implementation.

The event was attended by the Controller, Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller A.B. Jaja; officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service; members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), terminal operators, shipping companies, APFFLON, AREFFN, and other industry players.