The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, has intensified collaboration with enterprises in the zone as part of efforts to strengthen trade facilitation and boost government revenue.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Immaculata Nyong, disclosed this after a three-week facility tour of companies operating within the zone between July 29 and August 19, 2025. Firms visited included Seplat Energy, ESSO Exploration and Production Nigeria (FZE), TotalEnergies, Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), West African Container Terminal (WACT), Technip FMC Nigeria Ltd, Baker Hughes, One Subsea Offshore Systems Ltd, Intels Nigeria Ltd, Oil Tools Africa Ltd, Titan Tubular Nigeria (FZE), Hamilton Technologies Nigeria Ltd, and Brawal Oil Service Ltd (FZE).
Nyong, who was accompanied by senior Customs officers and representatives of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, held stakeholder meetings, received operational briefings, and inspected ongoing activities. She noted that the exercise was aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting compliance, and sustaining an enabling environment for businesses.
“Trade facilitation cannot be achieved in isolation. Our goal is to build synergy with enterprises in the Oil and Gas Free Zone, address concerns, and sustain an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” she said.
While several operators praised the NCS for its openness, others highlighted operational challenges, especially with the B’Odogwu clearance system. Nyong assured stakeholders that the Service is working to address the concerns, pledging continued engagement and efficiency improvements in line with the Comptroller-General’s mandate.
She further reaffirmed that the Command would sustain regular consultations with operators to ensure smooth operations and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading oil and gas logistics hub.
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