The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwelling time for import and export consignments at port terminals as part of its operational strategies to decongest the ports nationwide.
The initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative, aims at addressing port congestion, streamlining clearance processes, and minimizing disputes related to the disposal of overtime cargo.
According to a statement on the new guidelines signed by the NCS’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, consignments will enjoy a 30-day clearance period from their arrival date at the port.
Beyond this timeframe, cargo will be classified as “overtime” but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
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For consignments undeclared within 60 days, the guidelines stated that clearance would require approval from an Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator and must be completed within 90 days, and any cargo remaining un-cleared during the 90 days’ timeline would be subjected to the disposal process.
However, the Service has reserved the right to initiate the disposal process after the initial 30-day grace period if deemed necessary, in accordance with the NCSA 2023.
Speaking on the ports decongestion compliance initiative, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while reiterating the Service’s commitment to ensuring transparency and efficiency in cargo clearance while reducing legal disputes and easing trade operations, urged stakeholders to comply with the new regulations to enhance smooth trade facilitation and avoid delays.
Industry experts believe that the new guidelines will improve operational efficiency at port terminals, enabling better trade facilitation and reinforcing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Under the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, imported consignments are to be cleared within 30 days from the completion of discharge, as stipulated in Section 30(1).
Section 149(1) of the Act further empowers the Service to set time limits for cargo clearance from customs territory.
