The Nigeria Customs Service has approved the activation of the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel, a dedicated corridor that enables the seamless and controlled movement of Free Zone cargo directly from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the Lagos Free Zone.
With the approval, Lagos Free Zone becomes the first and only free zone in Nigeria to operate a sanctioned green channel, positioning it as a competitive hub for inward logistics.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the zone said the initiative reflects globally recognised port-to-free-zone logistics and customs integration models adopted in leading trade hubs across the Middle East and Asia.
By eliminating traditional bottlenecks between the port and the zone, the Green Channel introduces a “port-to-factory” logistics model designed to reduce demurrage costs and truck waiting times. The development is expected to improve operational efficiency for manufacturers and distributors operating within the zone.
Enterprises in the zone will benefit from a secure supply chain supported by 24/7 CCTV surveillance, telemetry systems and tamper-evident digital logs. The integrated framework is monitored directly by the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure cargo integrity and compliance.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the approval as a milestone in trade modernisation.
“This approval is a testament to our commitment to trade modernization. The Lagos Free Zone Green Channel will enhance Customs visibility while significantly improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones,” Adeniyi said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, said the corridor reinforces the zone’s commitment to ease of doing business.
“The activation of the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel is the latest testament to our customer-centricity and our commitment to continually deliver enhanced ease of doing business for our tenants,” she said.
According to Ladoja, the initiative removes the “last mile” uncertainty that has historically challenged Nigerian logistics, allowing tenants to move cargo with precision and speed through a Customs-integrated corridor.
Promoted by Singapore-based Tolaram, Lagos Free Zone is Nigeria’s first privately held deep-sea port-based free trade zone. Located in Lagos State, the zone spans 860 hectares and is integrated with the 90-hectare Lekki Deep Sea Port, offering access to regional and international markets.
Industry observers say the activation of the Green Channel could strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub, enhance investor confidence and support manufacturing growth across West Africa.
