KLT Customs Tightens Oversight on Oil & Gas Operations, Moves to Streamline Vessel Berthing Protocols
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has taken decisive steps to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve operational efficiency in the oil and gas supply chain, following a strategic engagement with key industry stakeholders.
Speaking during the session held in Lagos on Tuesday., the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok, described the oil and gas sector as “a critical pillar of national revenue generation and energy stability.”
She stressed the importance of transparent documentation, accurate product accountability, and timely Customs procedures for the smooth discharge, storage, and evacuation of petroleum products.
Comptroller Edelduok encouraged stakeholders to voice their operational concerns, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to recalibrate its processes to promote ease of doing business while ensuring stringent protection of government revenue. “We are committed to refining our processes to support industry efficiency without compromising revenue safeguards,” she said.
The Officer-in-Charge of Boarding, SC Emmanuel Okoka, provided clarity on vessel clearance procedures, noting that all foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time must berth at a government jetty for mandatory Customs checks before proceeding to private jetties.
He explained that the rule is vital for compliance enforcement, national security, and revenue protection.
“All foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time are required to berth at a government jetty for mandatory Customs clearance,” he reiterated.
Discussions during the engagement touched on vessel movement coordination, discharge timelines, and the transfer of products to storage facilities. Stakeholders commended the Command’s consultative approach and advocated the issuance of a formal circular to harmonize berthing procedures across the KLT corridor.
Comptroller Edelduok closed the session by reaffirming the Command’s dedication to transparency, improved accountability, and continued stakeholder collaboration to support seamless petroleum product operations within the area.
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