WCO Hails Nigeria’s Time Release Study

Says It’s Key Step to Faster, Safer Trade in Africa

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Ian Saunders, has described Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  Time Release Study (TRS) as a practical and evidence-based reform capable of strengthening border efficiency, boosting trade competitiveness within trade corridors in Africa and enhancing national safety.

Saunders stated this on Monday, 26th January 2026, during the presentation of the TRS Report conducted at Tin Can Island Port, noting that the study offers Nigeria “specific and objective insights” into how its border clearance processes function and where targeted improvements can be made.

According to him, the TRS, implemented with the support of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, goes beyond policy formulation by translating reform goals into measurable operational outcomes.

“The findings of this study provide Nigeria with a clear opportunity to deliver equally clear improvements that will strengthen both the economy and the safety of the country,” Saunders said.

He stressed that the Time Release Study is one of the WCO’s core performance measurement tools, widely deployed by Customs administrations globally to improve transparency, predictability and efficiency without compromising security.

The WCO chief noted that while Customs plays a central role in trade facilitation, the successful implementation of TRS recommendations requires collective action involving government agencies, the private sector and the broader trading community.

“Trade facilitation is not achieved by policy alone. It is realised through consistent, efficient and sound practices. The Time Release Study shows what is working, what is not, and where leadership and investment are required.” He added.

While delivering a keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the Time Release Study aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to data-driven reforms to improve trade efficiency and reduce transaction costs across Nigeria’s ports and borders.

Uzoka-Anite described the TRS as a strategic policy instrument that enables governments to objectively measure performance, identify bottlenecks and strengthen transparency within the trade ecosystem.

“The Time Release Study is not merely a diagnostic exercise; it is a reform tool that supports smarter regulation, evidence-based decision-making and improved coordination across border agencies.” The Minister said.

She noted that efficient clearance processes are essential to investor confidence and economic growth, adding that competitiveness in global trade is increasingly defined by speed, certainty and compliance.

The Minister assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s continued support for reforms that modernise border management, strengthen institutional capacity and promote collaboration among agencies involved in trade regulation.

While making her remarks, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, applauded the Service for taking the lead in addressing systemic bottlenecks and strengthening trade facilitation processes, noting that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving efficiency across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service is institutionalising the Time Release Study as part of its broader reform agenda to improve cargo clearance efficiency and service delivery.

CGC Adeniyi explained that the study provides credible data on cargo dwell time, enabling Customs and partner agencies to identify procedural overlaps, eliminate delays and streamline clearance processes.

“The Time Release Study allows us to move from assumptions to facts. It tells us exactly where time is lost and where reforms must be focused to achieve measurable improvements.” He said.

He stressed that the Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict compliance and security standards, noting that faster clearance must go hand in hand with adequate controls.

Similarly, the representative of the United Kingdom High Commission to Nigeria commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive adoption of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) trade facilitation tools, notably the Time Release Study (TRS) scheme, which is supported by an initiative of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

In the same vein, Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Strategic Research and Policy (SR&P) Department, Dera Nnadi, who shared insights from the TRS report, asserted that the outcome of the study will guide operational adjustments, policy refinement and infrastructure planning, as the Service works with stakeholders to deliver a more predictable and efficient trade environment.