Mathias Okey

Experienced and certified Supply Chain and Import/Export Manager with over 15 years of progressive leadership in logistics, customs compliance, regulatory reporting, and international trade operations. Proven expertise in import/export documentation, HS codes, Duty simulation, Form M/PAAR processing, and regulatory compliance (SONCAP, NAFDAC). Adept at optimizing cross-border logistics, and managing customs brokers to ensure timely and cost-effective goods movement.

Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Supply Chain Specialist - GMT Nigeria Limited - Apapa Lagos

(2022-03)

• Managed all phases of international shipments from Form M initiation, PAAR processing, duty simulation and customs documentation & clearance achieving 99% documentation compliance.
• Oversee vendor coordination, ERP (SAP Prolog) shipment tracking, and inventory updates to ensure compliance and visibility.
• Liaise with banks and brokers for LC validation, regulatory compliance, and shipment reconciliation.
• Coordinated and managed end-to-end import and export operations for all international shipments.
• Maintain 100% shipment traceability and ensure accuracy of customs documentation and HS code classifications.
• Collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives in inventory control and customs compliance.
• Receive, review, process and follow up on pre-clearance import documentation for assigned projects to ensure all required documents are in line with legal requirements and ensure timely delivery within the project timeline and surpass customer expectations.
• Participate fully with other departments on a day-to-day team operation including setting priorities, organizing, scheduling of work and problem solving.
• Vet and audit draft import documents like BL, Invoice, Packing List , CCVO and COO to comply with import requirements to avoid irregularities and errors that will impact negatively on the timeline for clearance to delivery.
• Proficient in the processing of customs assessment for duty payment of imported items through the B’odogwu portal.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews and audits of import documentation, achieving a 98% compliance rate and preventing costly delays.

Logistics & Clearing Manager - JMG Nigeria Limited - Victoria Island Lagos

(2018-04 - 2020-04)

• Led end-to-end import clearance for equipment and materials; ensured 95% reduction in demurrage through proactive planning and accurate documentation.
• Proficient in applying for and securing Form M, PAAR, SONCAP, NAFDAC and import regulatory licenses and permits.
• Provided critical HS code classification and customs tariff interpretation, ensuring regulatory compliance across shipments and avoiding uplift from customs.
• Tracked shipping and delivery schedules to align with operational demands.
• Monitored shipping agents and broker activities to reduce costs and improve service reliability while regularizing and renewing all relevant permits for import and export.
• Maintain and oversee accurate receipt and archiving of Exchange Control Documents (ECDs).
• Collaborate with procurement, warehouse, and sales teams to streamline inbound logistics and reduce lead times by 25%.
• Maintained 97% on-time delivery performance while reducing demurrage through proactive planning.

Materials Controller / Logistics Officer - Baywood Continental Nigeria Ltd - Lagos

(2014-01 - 2015-12)

• Managed inventory, optimized reorder levels, and ensured materials met production demand.
• Collaborated with 3PL and internal teams to maintain inventory accuracy and availability.
• Forecasted and expedited materials to support operational schedules.
• Worked collaboratively with the procurement department for the sourcing, contracting, purchase, payment and credit of inventory materials.
• Expediting of movement of materials, according to predetermined material usage schedule and order priorities.

International Trade Analyst - SGS Scanning Nigeria Limited - Victoria Island Lagos

(2007-11 - 2013-12)

• Oversaw customs compliance, HTS classification, origin determination, and documentation auditing.
• Analyzed trade risks, advised clients on valuation, and liaised with Nigerian Customs for duty drawback and regulatory reporting.
• Provided support on import/export operations, including equipment and non-standard goods.
• Provide classification and valuation opinion for free zone shipments and ensure that all submitted documents meet the free zone authority’s requirements.
• Profiling importers /exporters to determine the level of risk inherent in the trade to produce risk assessment report (RAR) to customs for assessment purposes.
• Daily oversight of all import shipment flow, communicate shipment status for all imports to internal team.

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) - Production Engineering - University of Benin, Nigeria (2000)