Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has automated the clearance of overtime cargoes and extended the processing period to 120 days.
Gatekeepers News reports that Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi disclosed this on Monday at a sensitisation programme in Lagos for stakeholders, including consignees, brokers, and terminal operators.
He explained that the initiative will cut delays linked to abandoned consignments and reduce extension requests, which make up nearly half of his daily correspondence.
Adeniyi said, “We have created a help desk at the headquarters to prioritise clearance of project cargoes belonging to government agencies.”
“Importation is critical to Nigeria’s economic development, and our goal is not just to generate revenue but to ensure goods reach their owners quickly and efficiently.”
Adeniyi added that less than one percent of cargoes at Nigerian ports in 2024 were tagged as overtime, expressing confidence that automation will lower the figure to zero.
He assured stakeholders of ongoing sensitisation to ensure smooth adoption and urged terminal operators, shipping firms, and clearing agents to provide feedback.
He said, “The overtime cargo automation programme is fully developed and ready for deployment.”
“This sensitisation is to ensure all stakeholders, terminal operators, shipping companies, and agents, understand the system and work together for success.”
Supporting the initiative, senior customs officials highlighted its broader benefits. Assistant Comptroller-General Isah Umar said the e-clearance process would simplify procedures, enhance transparency, reduce human interference, and strengthen data integrity.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Aliyu Abdulkadir explained that the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 provides for disposal of overtime cargoes after 120 days, while perishable and inflammable goods may be auctioned immediately.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ibrahim Muhammed added that unresolved clearance cases are escalated from the area controller to headquarters, stressing that the new framework will ensure transparency and accountability.
