The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced full automation of trade licence and permit applications for importers, Customs brokers, ship chandlers, and other stakeholders in the maritime sector, officials announced on Monday.
The new License and Permit System (LPS), an online platform, is designed to standardise and streamline the application and renewal process, addressing the delays and bottlenecks that have long characterised manual operations.
Speaking at a zonal sensitisation programme in Lagos, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Mohammed Babandede, said the system will eliminate the need for stakeholders to travel to Customs offices or the headquarters in Abuja.
“Importers, shippers, exporters, clearing agents and freight forwarders can now complete the entire process digitally from any location in real time. Applications will be processed faster, and stakeholders can track their status in real time, ensuring fairness, consistency, and eliminating the risk of error that comes with manual records,” he said.
The sensitisation exercise, beginning in Lagos, which handles a significant portion of national trade, is aimed at familiarising stakeholders with the automated process ahead of nationwide implementation.
Also addressing participants, Dr Ngozika Anozie, Comptroller of Customs for the License and Permit Unit in the Tariff & Trade Department, highlighted that the automation will boost revenue for both the NCS and the Federal Government.
“Every document uploaded is automatically verified; fraudulent submissions are rejected while genuine ones are accepted. More licences and permits processed translates directly into more revenue for the government and strengthens the economy,” Anozie said.
She added that the automation will save stakeholders the stress of manually carrying files between offices, improve productivity for Customs officers, and ensure a more efficient and seamless process. Bond seat officers across various Customs Area Commands have already been trained to implement the system effectively.
According to NCS officials, the LPS will enhance transparency, reduce fraudulent activities, and support the government’s broader agenda of modernising trade processes in line with global standards.
