NCS guidelines to tackle port congestion, streamline cargo clearance
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rolled out new guidelines aimed at reducing port congestion and ensuring smoother cargo clearance.
The move is part of a broader commitment to enhance trade facilitation and support the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
In a statement signed by Assistant Comptroller of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS, in its latest initiative, will now regulate the dwelling time for both import and export consignments at port terminals, effectively addressing long-standing issues related to cargo delays and overtime disposal disputes.
This new framework, introduced by the NCS under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, aims to make the clearing process more efficient and predictable, benefiting both importers and exporters.
According to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) of 2023, all imported consignments must be cleared within 30 days following the discharge of goods from the importing carrier.
In addition, the NCS has the authority to establish specific timeframes for cargoes to be removed from customs territory, as stated in Sections 30(1) and 149(1) of the Act.
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These provisions will now be strictly enforced, helping to prevent unnecessary delays while ensuring that importers and exporters have sufficient time to clear their cargo.
To facilitate a smoother process, the NCS has made it clear that all consignments will enjoy a 30-day grace period from the date of arrival at the port. During this period, cargo will not incur any overtime clearance penalties.
However, after 30 days, consignments will be considered “overtime” but can still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon approval from the Customs Area Controller (CAC). If a consignment remains undeclared for more than 60 days, it will require clearance approval from the Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator.
This extended clearance window is valid within 90 days of the consignment’s arrival. Any cargo that remains uncleared beyond this 90-day period will begin the disposal process.
While these guidelines provide clear timelines, the NCS reserves the right to initiate the disposal of consignments before the 90-day window if the cargo remains unclaimed after the initial 30-day grace period.
This measure is designed to maintain order at port terminals and prevent unnecessary bottlenecks that could affect the flow of trade.
The NCS’s proactive approach is expected to reduce legal disputes related to overtime cargo and ultimately improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports.
Stakeholders have been urged to comply with the new guidelines to help ease congestion, enhance clearance processes, and foster a more business-friendly environment at the country’s port terminals.
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