KLT Customs Strengthens Collaboration With Oil, Gas Stakeholders To Enhance Compliance, Trade Facilitation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement with operators in the oil and gas sector.

Victor U. Ogagbor, Customs Public Relations Officer, KLT disclosed in a statement made available to journalists.

Ogagbor, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), said the session focused on reinforcing compliance with regulatory requirements and improving efficiency in vessel handling and jetty operations within the Command’s jurisdiction.

In her opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok, described the oil and gas sector as a critical pillar of national revenue generation and energy stability.

 She underscored the need for transparent documentation, precise product accountability, and prompt Customs procedures to ensure the seamless discharge, storage, and evacuation of petroleum products. Comptroller Edelduok encouraged stakeholders to present operational challenges openly, and reiterated the Command’s commitment to refining its processes to promote ease of doing business while safeguarding government revenue.

The officer-in-charge of boarding, Emmanuel Okoka, a Superintendent of Customs (SC) emphasized that all foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time are required to berth at a government jetty for mandatory Customs clearance before proceeding to private jetties.

He noted that this procedure is essential to enforcing compliance checks, strengthening national security, and protecting revenue.

Ogagbor said deliberations during the engagement covered vessel movement coordination, jetty discharge timelines, and product transfer to storage facilities.

Stakeholders, according to him commended the Command for its collaborative approach and proposed the issuance of a formal circular to streamline berthing protocols.

The CAC also reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, enhanced accountability, and sustained stakeholder cooperation to ensure seamless petroleum product operations across the KLT corridor.