Nigeria Customs Service Sets 30-Day Deadline for Clearing Cargo to Address Port Congestion

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of new guidelines aimed at regulating the dwelling time for import and export consignments at port terminals.

In a move designed to streamline clearance processes and reduce port congestion, the NCS has set a 30-day deadline for the clearance of consignments from the moment they arrive at the port.

According to Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS Spokesman, the new guidelines are part of the Service’s broader effort to enhance trade facilitation and align with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

“The goal is to prevent congestion, mitigate legal disputes around overtime cargo, and ensure a more efficient cargo clearance process,” Maiwada, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, explained.

The guidelines, grounded in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) of 2023, require all import consignments to be cleared within 30 days after the discharge of the importing carrier.

After this period, any cargo that remains uncleared will be considered “overtime” and subject to additional processes.

However, to avoid penalties, the NCS has stipulated a grace period of an additional 30 days.

During this extended timeframe, consignees can still clear their goods after seeking approval from the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).

If a consignment remains uncleared beyond 60 days, further clearance will require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator, and the process must be completed within 90 days of arrival.

Any consignment left undeclared beyond 90 days will be subject to disposal, he said.

Maiwada emphasised that, while importers will be given a 30-day window from the date of arrival to clear their goods without facing overtime clearance charges, the NCS reserves the right to initiate the disposal process immediately after the initial 30-day grace period if necessary.

“This policy is critical to ensuring that our ports remain efficient and congestion-free,” said Maiwada, adding that compliance with the new regulations will ultimately improve the overall trade environment.

The NCS encouraged stakeholders to adhere to the guidelines to facilitate smoother operations and enhance the nation’s trade facilitation efforts.