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 at GMT Nigeria Limited (2022-03 – Present)

• 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 at JMG Nigeria Limited (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 at Baywood Continental Nigeria Ltd (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 at SGS Scanning Nigeria Limited (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 in Production Engineering – University of Benin, Nigeria (2000)