Key Responsibilities
Provide overall leadership and direction for clearing operations across ports, terminals, and bonded facilities.
Develop and implement clearing strategies aligned with business and operational objectives.
Oversee end-to-end customs clearance processes to ensure timely cargo release and minimal delays.
Ensure full compliance with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) regulations and other regulatory requirements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with Customs officials, port authorities, terminal operators, and regulatory bodies.
Supervise accurate documentation, cargo classification, duty assessment, and regulatory filings.
Monitor and improve clearing turnaround time to reduce demurrage, storage charges, and penalties.
Identify operational bottlenecks and drive continuous process improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Transport, and Customer Service teams for seamless service delivery.
Proactively manage operational risks, compliance gaps, and fraud exposure.
Prepare and submit periodic operational and performance reports to management.
Lead, coach, and develop the clearing operations team to improve productivity and performance.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional certification in Customs, Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management is an added advantage.
8 - 12 years' experience in clearing and forwarding operations.
Strong knowledge of Nigeria Customs procedures, port operations, bonded terminal processes, and trade regulations.
Proven leadership and team management capability.
Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
High attention to detail and strong reporting skills.