KLT Command Reiterates Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Petroleum Product Operations

KLT Command Reiterates Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Petroleum Product Operations

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has taken a significant step towards enhancing compliance and operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector. On November 18, 2025, the Command convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement with operators in the sector, focusing on reinforcing regulatory compliance and improving vessel handling and jetty operations.

In her opening remarks, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok, the Customs Area Controller, emphasized the critical role of the oil and gas sector in 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, Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Okoka, highlighted the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly for foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time. He emphasized that all such vessels are required to berth at a government jetty for mandatory Customs clearance before proceeding to private jetties. This procedure is essential to enforcing compliance checks, strengthening national security, and protecting revenue.

During the engagement, stakeholders commended the Command for its collaborative approach and proposed the issuance of a formal circular to streamline berthing protocols. Deliberations covered key issues such as vessel movement coordination, jetty discharge timelines, and product transfer to storage facilities. The stakeholders’ engagement marked a significant step towards fostering a more collaborative and efficient working relationship between the Customs Service and the oil and gas industry.

In conclusion, Comptroller Edelduok reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency, enhanced accountability, and sustained stakeholder cooperation to ensure seamless petroleum product operations across the KLT corridor. The event demonstrated the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to improving the business environment and promoting compliance with regulatory requirements in the oil and gas sector.