The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command has intensified collaboration with operators in the oil and gas sector as part of renewed efforts to strengthen compliance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance revenue protection.
At a strategic stakeholders’ engagement held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok, described the oil and gas industry as a crucial driver of national revenue and energy security. She stressed the importance of transparent documentation, accurate product accountability, and timely Customs procedures to ensure smooth vessel handling, product discharge, storage, and evacuation within the KLT operational corridor.
Edelduok encouraged industry operators to openly table operational bottlenecks, assuring that the Command remains committed to refining processes to support ease of doing business while safeguarding government revenue.
Providing further clarity on compliance protocols, the Officer-in-Charge of Boarding, Superintendent Emmanuel Okoka, noted that all foreign vessels calling Nigeria for the first time must berth at a government-designated jetty for mandatory Customs clearance before moving to private jetties. He said the procedure is vital for enforcing compliance checks, enhancing national security, and preventing revenue leakages.
Stakeholders engaged extensively on vessel movement coordination, jetty discharge timelines, and product transfer to storage facilities. They applauded the Command’s open-door approach and proposed the issuance of a formal circular to harmonize berthing procedures across the corridor.
Comptroller Edelduok rounded off by reaffirming the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained cooperation with industry players to ensure uninterrupted petroleum product operations at KLT.
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