The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has commended Nigeria’s Time Release Study (TRS), describing it as a critical reform capable of improving border efficiency, strengthening national safety and boosting trade competitiveness across Africa.
Speaking at the presentation of the TRS Report at Tin Can Island Port on January 26, 2026, Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary-General, said the study provides Nigeria with objective, evidence-based insights into its cargo clearance processes and identifies areas for targeted improvement.
Implemented with support from the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Saunders noted that the TRS translates policy goals into measurable operational outcomes, helping Customs administrations improve transparency and efficiency without compromising security.
“The findings of this study provide Nigeria with a clear opportunity to deliver improvements that will strengthen both the economy and national safety,” he said.
The Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, said the TRS aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to data-driven reforms aimed at reducing transaction costs and improving trade efficiency at ports and borders.
She described the study as a strategic tool for identifying bottlenecks, strengthening transparency and improving coordination among border agencies.
Also speaking, Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, said the Service is institutionalising the TRS as part of its broader reform agenda to improve cargo clearance efficiency.
According to him, the study provides credible data on cargo dwell time, enabling Customs and partner agencies to eliminate delays and streamline procedures.
The WCO chief stressed that effective implementation of the TRS recommendations would require collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and the wider trading community.
