Port congestion: Customs set free 30 days’ timeline for cargo clearance

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it will soon commence the implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwelling time for import and export consignments at port terminals. The move reflects NSC commitment to trade facilitation in line with the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives. The Nigeria Customs Service National Public Relations […]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it will soon commence the implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwelling time for import and export consignments at port terminals.

The move reflects NSC commitment to trade facilitation in line with the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

The Nigeria Customs Service National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement issued on Tuesday stated that the new measures aim to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.

Maiwada stated that the implementation, which he said is pursuant to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, is to reinforce the provisions that mandate imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days after the completion of discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as provided in Section 30(1).

He said: “Cargo exceeding 30 days shall be deemed “overtime” but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).”