The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the automation of licence and permit applications to enhance ease of doing business.
The initiative was launched at the Zonal Sensitisation Programme held at the Customs Training College Auditorium, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, February 23, 2026.
In his keynote address, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babandede, noted that the event was not a routine ceremony, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in how the NCS delivers its licences and permit services to stakeholders.
ACG Babandede disclosed that the development was approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stating that it was a direct response to the long-standing need to make the Service’s processes faster, more transparent, and more accessible to stakeholders.
“For many years, stakeholders have had to deal with paperwork, long queues, and the uncertainty that comes with manual processing. Those days are coming to an end. This sensitisation exercise is being held across all Zones from today. The goal is simple: to make sure that every stakeholder understands the new automated system before it is implemented.
“For stakeholders, automation means that you will no longer have to go to a Customs office simply to apply for or renew a licence or permit. You will be able to do this from your office or even from your phone. It means your applications will be processed faster.
“It means you will be able to track the status of your application in real time. And it means that the process will be the same for everyone — fair, consistent, and without the risk of error that comes with manual records,” he explained.
According to him, automation enhances better record-keeping, simplifies supervision, and enables the Service to serve more stakeholders simultaneously without increasing officers’ workload.
ACG Babandede acknowledged the discomfort that comes with change upon its introduction; however, he assured that the team would provide the necessary support to help stakeholders navigate the new system.
He also urged the stakeholders present to inform their associations and colleagues about the new development, stressing that the more people understand the new process, the smoother the transition will be.
“Zone ‘A’ is the most active and economically significant Zone in Nigeria. Lagos is the commercial heartbeat of this country which means the volume of trade that passes through this Zone is enormous. That is precisely why it matters so much that we get it right here,” he said.
The Zonal Coordinator affirmed that the programme cannot succeed without the stakeholders, adding that their feedback and engagement are important.
He reiterated that the Service is not just automating a process but transforming the way it serves Nigeria’s trade community.