The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT Command has held a strategic engagement with key oil and gas stakeholders to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve efficiency in vessel handling and jetty operations.
At the meeting held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller E.J. Edelduok, described the sector as central to national revenue and energy security.
She stressed the need for transparent documentation, accurate product accounting and prompt Customs procedures to ensure smooth discharge, storage and evacuation of petroleum products.
Edelduok urged operators to table operational challenges openly, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to fine-tune its processes to support ease of doing business while protecting government revenue.
She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustained collaboration with industry players to ensure seamless petroleum product operations across the KLT axis.
The Officer-in-Charge of Boarding, Superintendent Emmanuel Okoka, clarified that all foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time must berth at a government jetty for mandatory clearance before moving to private facilities, a requirement he said is vital for compliance checks and national security.
Other discussions focused on coordinating vessel movements, discharge timelines and product transfer to storage depots.
Stakeholders present at the event, commended the Command’s consultative approach and recommended a formal circular to harmonise berthing procedures.