By Correspondent In Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, says the Service has automated the clearance process for overtime cargoes and extended the window for clearance to 120 days in a bid to further ease trade facilitation.
Adeniyi made this known on Monday during a one-day sensitisation programme on the Automation of Overtime Cargo Clearance System for stakeholders in Lagos.
He explained that the initiative would improve the ease of doing business at the nation’s ports, reduce delays caused by abandoned consignments, and drastically cut down on requests for clearance extensions, which account for almost half of the correspondence reaching his office daily.
“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 revenue generation but ensuring goods reach their owners quickly and efficiently,” he said.
The Customs chief disclosed that less than one per cent of cargoes arriving in Nigerian ports in 2024 were classified as overtime, expressing optimism that the new automated system would reduce the figure to zero. He assured stakeholders of sustained sensitisation sessions to ensure smooth adoption of the process.
Adeniyi also called on terminal operators, shipping companies, and clearing agents to provide feedback to enhance the system, noting that while some consignments were deliberately abandoned, others were delayed due to network challenges.
“The Overtime Cargo Automation programme is fully developed and ready for deployment. This sensitisation is to ensure all stakeholders understand the system and work together for its success,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Isah Umar, said the e-clearance system would simplify procedures, enhance transparency, reduce human interference, and strengthen data integrity for imports and exports.
He noted that the system would automatically generate records of cargo disposal and harmonise documentation through the use of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD).
On his part, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Mr. Aliyu Abdulkadir, explained that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, overtime cargoes are subject to disposal after 120 days, while perishable and inflammable items may be disposed of immediately via e-auction or other approved methods to prevent accidents.
The Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammed, walked participants through the ICT processes of the system, noting that cargoes are first classified as overtime after 30 days, with unresolved cases escalated from the Area Controller to the Zonal office, and finally to headquarters.
He stressed that the system provides a transparent, efficient, and accountable framework for managing overtime consignments.
Similarly, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General Muhammed Babadede, described the NCS as the most digitalised Customs administration in West and Central Africa, praising the Comptroller-General for driving reforms through automation.
The sensitisation programme featured interactive discussions with stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, importers, exporters, and clearing agents, who sought clarifications on the new process.
The Customs management assured participants of continuous engagement to ensure effective implementation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
