Customs To Auction Cargoes, Vehicles After 90 Days To Decongest Seaports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, declared that imported cargoes or vehicles that stay beyond 90 days in various seaports across Nigeria will be declared as overtime cargoes and consequently auctioned.

In a press statement by the NCS national public relations officer, Abdulahi Maiwada, titled ‘NCS Issues Guidelines on Dwell Time For Import and Export Consignments At Port Terminals,’ the Service said the new measure will address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.

According to Assistant Controller Maiwada, all imported and exported consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances.

“The NCS will commence implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals, reflecting its commitment to trade facilitation in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

“The new measures aim to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo. Under the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the Service is reinforcing 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).

“In addition, Section 149(1) empowers the Service to establish time limits for cargoes to leave customs territory. These guidelines will ensure compliance, prevent undue delays, and maintain order at port terminals while allowing importers and exporters ample time for cargo clearance,” he stated.

NCS, however, urged stakeholders to comply with the regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations.

He stated further that where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application.

“To enhance efficiency in cargo clearance, all consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances. 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).

“Where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application. This clearance opportunity is valid within 90 days from arrival. Any consignment uncleared beyond 90 days shall be due for the commencement of the disposal process.

“It is important to note that without prejudice to the guidelines above, the Service reserves the right to initiate the disposal process, if necessary, following the initial 30-day grace period stipulated by the NCSA 2023.

“The Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi remains committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process that prevents undue port congestion, mitigates legal disputes associated with overtime cargo, and enhances overall trade facilitation.

“Stakeholders are encouraged to comply with these regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations,” the Customs spokesman added.