The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, has stepped up engagement with enterprises in the zone to promote trade facilitation and enhance government revenue.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the initiative was led by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Immaculata Nyong, during a three-week tour of facilities between July 29 and August 19, 2025.
The exercise covered major operators including 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). Comptroller Nyong was joined by senior customs officers and officials of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority to engage with operators, receive operational briefings, and inspect activities.
Nyong explained that the tour was designed to strengthen stakeholder collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance, facilitate legitimate trade, and boost federal revenue. “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 stated.
While operators commended the Customs Service for its openness and active engagement, some raised concerns about operational challenges, particularly regarding the B’Odogwu clearance system. Nyong reassured stakeholders of the Service’s commitment to resolving such issues and improving efficiency in line with the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
She further emphasized that the command would maintain continuous engagements with stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading oil and gas logistics hub.