Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin

Lagos — The head of the World Customs Organization, WCO, Ian Saunders, has characterized Nigeria’s Time Release Study, TRS, as a hands-on and data-driven initiative that can improve border efficiency, increase trade competitiveness along trade routes in Africa, and enhance national security.

Saunders mentioned this while presenting the TRS Report at Tin Can Island Port, highlighting that the study provides Nigeria with “specific and objective insights” into how its border clearance procedures operate and where focused enhancements can be implemented.

He stated that the TRS, supported by the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, exceeds mere policy development by converting reform objectives into quantifiable operational results.

“The results of this research offer Nigeria a distinct chance to achieve noticeable enhancements that will bolster the nation’s economy and security,” Saunders stated.

He emphasized that the Time Release Study is a key performance evaluation tool for the WCO, extensively used by customs authorities around the world to enhance transparency, consistency, and efficiency while not affecting security.

The head of the WCO mentioned that although Customs is crucial in promoting trade efficiency, the effective execution of TRS suggestions depends on collaborative efforts among government departments, the business sector, and the wider trading network.

“Trade facilitation cannot be attained through policy alone. It is achieved through consistent, effective, and solid procedures. The Time Release Study highlights what is functioning well, what is not, and where leadership and funding are needed,” he added.

During a keynote speech, the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stated that the Time Release Study corresponds with the Federal Government’s dedication to data-focused reforms aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and lowering transaction costs at Nigeria’s ports and borders.

Uzoka-Anite characterized the TRS as a strategic policy tool that allows governments to fairly assess performance, detect challenges, and enhance openness within the trading system.

“The Time Release Study goes beyond being just a diagnostic process; it serves as a reform mechanism that promotes more intelligent regulation, data-driven choices, and better collaboration among border agencies,” the Minister stated.

She emphasized that effective clearance procedures are crucial for investor trust and economic development, stating that competitiveness in international trade is increasingly determined by speed, predictability, and adherence to regulations.

The Minister pledged to stakeholders that the Federal Government will keep backing initiatives aimed at updating border control, enhancing organizational capabilities, and encouraging cooperation between agencies responsible for trade regulation.

As she spoke, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Service for being proactive in tackling persistent challenges and enhancing trade facilitation, highlighting that this effort demonstrates the government’s dedication to boosting efficiency within Nigeria’s trade system.

In his statement, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, mentioned that the Service is making the Time Release Study a standard practice as part of its overall reform plan aimed at enhancing the efficiency of cargo clearance and service provision.

CGC Adeniyi stated that the research offers reliable information regarding cargo dwell time, allowing Customs and collaborating agencies to detect overlapping procedures, remove bottlenecks, and improve the efficiency of clearance operations.

“The Time Release Study enables us to transition from hypotheses to concrete data. It identifies precisely where time is being wasted and where changes need to be concentrated to bring about noticeable progress,” he stated.

He emphasized that the Service is dedicated to supporting lawful trade while upholding rigorous compliance and security measures, pointing out that quicker processing should be accompanied by sufficient safeguards.

In the same way, the representative from the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its active implementation of the World Customs Organization’s trade facilitation measures, particularly the Time Release Study program, which is backed by a project from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, HMRC.

Similarly, Dera Nnadi, the Deputy Comptroller General overseeing the Strategic Research and Policy (SR&P) Department, who provided perspectives from the TRS report, stated that the findings of the study will inform changes in operations, improvements in policies, and planning for infrastructure, as the Service collaborates with partners to create a more reliable and effective trade environment.