The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Command, has announced plans to commence paperless operations in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026 as part of efforts to enhance trade facilitation and streamline cargo clearance processes.
The Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Command, Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a media engagement where he outlined the command’s strategic agenda for the year.
He explained that the transition to a paperless system is aimed at transforming the command into a one-stop shop for seamless goods clearance.
Onyeka said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Single Window (NSW) project, in which the command is expected to play a pivotal role.
According to him, arrangements are underway to sensitise stakeholders and the trading public ahead of the policy rollout to ensure smooth implementation.
Highlighting the command’s recent performance, Onyeka revealed that it generated over N145.9 billion in revenue in January 2026.
The figure represents an increase of about N29.5 billion compared to the N116.4 billion recorded in January 2025.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to its role as a trade enabler, stressing the need to make the new platform practical and efficient for all stakeholders across the value chain.
He assured that measures have been put in place to prevent disruptions, including network-related challenges, that could undermine the paperless system.
The Customs boss urged importers to make accurate declarations, noting that proper documentation would guarantee seamless cargo clearance.
He added that consignments would only be subjected to physical examination where scanning results are unclear or raise national security concerns.
“We are not going to compromise. Importers must palletise their goods for easy clearance,” Onyeka stated.
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