TRS initiative to boost cargo clearance at Nigerian Ports — Customs
The Time Release Study (TRS) initiative, recently launched by the Nigeria Customs Service, aims to streamline trade processes and reduce cargo delays at the nation’s ports. The Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, stated that the initiative is designed to enhance trade facilitation and reduce the […]
The Time Release Study (TRS) initiative, recently launched by the Nigeria Customs Service, aims to streamline trade processes and reduce cargo delays at the nation’s ports.
The Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, stated that the initiative is designed to enhance trade facilitation and reduce the time it takes for goods to be cleared at Nigerian ports.
Highlighting some of the recent reform milestones of the Nigeria Customs Service, Gambo said the TRS provides a systematic and standardized approach to measuring the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release.
“The TRS is a critical step towards improving the efficiency of our ports and enhancing trade facilitation,” Gambo said. “By reducing cargo delays and streamlining trade processes, we can increase trade volumes, boost economic growth, and create jobs.”
Gambo said the World Customs Organisation (WCO)-backed initiative will help the Service identify procedural bottlenecks, shorten dwell time, strengthen supply chain integrity and align Nigeria’s Customs operations with global best practices, thereby boosting investor confidence and supporting national economic growth.
He noted that the TRS represents a critical pillar in the ongoing modernisation of Customs processes and trade facilitation architecture.
While congratulating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on the successful celebration of the 2026 International Customs Day (ICD), he also commended the Federal Government for its sustained support for Customs reforms and border security.
He described Dr. Adeniyi’s emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council as a historic achievement that has further elevated Nigeria’s standing within the global Customs community.
Comptroller Gambo also highlighted the Service’s 2025 revenue performance of over N7.2 trillion, surpassing its annual target, attributing the feat to disciplined enforcement, improved compliance and sustained institutional reforms.
Linking the ICD 2026 theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” to operations on the field, he said FOU Zone A remains at the forefront of intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency collaboration and post-clearance interventions aimed at securing supply chains and preventing revenue leakages across the South-West corridor.
He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to supporting the Comptroller-General’s reform agenda through professionalism, operational efficiency and strict adherence to global best practices, while urging sustained collaboration among Customs officers and stakeholders in the trade value chain to build a modern, efficient and responsive Customs administration capable of driving Nigeria’s economic transformation.