Customs, oil giants join forces to boost compliance

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has entered into a strategic partnership with major oil and gas companies to boost compliance and streamline operations in the industry. The collaboration, which was formalized at a recent meeting between Customs officials and representatives of oil and gas firms, on Tuesday, aims to promote transparency, […]

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has entered into a strategic partnership with major oil and gas companies to boost compliance and streamline operations in the industry.

The collaboration, which was formalized at a recent meeting between Customs officials and representatives of oil and gas firms, on Tuesday, aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the importation and exportation of petroleum products.

 

 

 

 The session focused on reinforcing compliance with regulatory requirements and improving efficiency in vessel handling and jetty operations within the Command’s jurisdiction.

 

 

 

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok, described the oil and gas sector as a critical pillar of national revenue generation and energy stability.

 

 

 

She underscored the need for transparent documentation, precise product accountability, and prompt Customs procedures to ensure the seamless discharge, storage, and evacuation of petroleum products.

 

 

 

Comptroller Edelduok encouraged stakeholders to present operational challenges openly and reiterated the Command’s commitment to refining its processes to promote ease of doing business while safeguarding government revenue.

 

 

 

The Officer-in-Charge of Boarding, Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Okoka, emphasized that all foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time are required to berth at a government jetty for mandatory Customs clearance before proceeding to private jetties.

 

 

 

He noted that this procedure is essential to enforcing compliance checks, strengthening national security, and protecting revenue.

 

 

 

Deliberations during the engagement covered vessel movement coordination, jetty discharge timelines, and product transfer to storage facilities.

 

 

 

Stakeholders commended the Command for its collaborative approach and proposed the issuance of a formal circular to streamline berthing protocols.