By Peace Erewunmi

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to eliminate bottlenecks at the nation’s ports and accelerate cargo clearance.

Oyedele gave the directive during the 65th Regular Meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board in Abuja, where he called for improved port efficiency and faster trade processes.

The minister said Customs must establish clear and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmark its operations against global standards.

According to him, the success of ongoing reforms should be judged by the actual experience of businesses, particularly whether importers and exporters can move goods through Nigerian ports more quickly and efficiently.

Oyedele also stressed the need for greater transparency and integrity in Customs operations, warning that the Service must not become complacent despite recent recognition for improved performance.

He linked faster and more efficient cargo clearance to wider economic benefits, including increased investment, job creation, lower business costs and greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses to compete within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The minister said Nigeria’s ambition of building a larger and more competitive economy requires an efficient trade environment where businesses can operate without unnecessary delays and bureaucratic obstacles.

The directive comes amid ongoing government efforts to reduce cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports, including the implementation of the National Single Window, which is designed to streamline trade documentation and processes across relevant government agencies.