By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step toward modernising its operations with the rollout of a sensitisation programme on the full automation of its Licences and Permits processes. The event, held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Customs Training College Auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos, was conducted simultaneously across all Service Zones.
Anchored by Comptroller Ngozika Anozie of the Licences and Permits Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department, the programme was graced by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The new digital system is designed to replace the manual processing of trade licences and permits, which has long been plagued by paperwork, queues, and delays. Under the automated platform, importers, clearing agents, and freight forwarders can apply for or renew licences and permits online, track applications in real time, and avoid unnecessary travel to Customs offices or headquarters in Abuja.
ACG Babandede described the initiative as “the beginning of a new chapter in service delivery,” noting that automation will bring faster application processing, real-time tracking of status, fair and consistent procedures, and reduced risk of human error.
He emphasised that Zone A, Nigeria’s most economically active zone, carries a special responsibility to ensure smooth implementation.
Comptroller Anozie tied the reform to the Comptroller-General’s three-point agenda of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. She highlighted that automation will cut costs and save time for trade operators, detect fraudulent documents automatically, cross-check unpaid assessments via the B’Odogwu platform, and boost government revenue through efficient licence and permit issuance.
She noted that officers across Customs Area Commands have already been trained ahead of the rollout.
Participants were guided through the application process with handbooks and step-by-step posters. The event drew a wide range of trade stakeholders, including ANLCA Vice President Prince Segun Oduntan, NAGAFF National Secretary Godfrey Nwosu, and CCC Chairman Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju.
Prince Oduntan commended the Service for the initiative, describing it as long overdue. He urged practitioners to input accurate information during renewals and pledged that ANLCA would conduct internal sensitisation for its members.