Nigeria Customs Launches Automated Cargo Clearance System

The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced an automated overtime cargo clearance and disposal system to allow clearing agents and other stakeholders to clear overtime goods digitally.

Speaking recently at a sensitisation programme for stakeholders in zones B and D at the customs training school at Goring Dutse in Kano, Controller Deborah Adeyemi, in charge of post-clearance audit, Zone B, who represented the controller-general, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the initiative describing it as a “turning point” that addresses longstanding challenges of congestion, paperwork bottlenecks and lengthy clearance processes.

According to her, the new system offers improvements including complete transparency, accountability and efficiency.

“The new platform allows you to manage your consignments from your office or even your mobile phone. It removes the burden of endless letters, visits, and waiting times, while giving you real-time visibility over your application status,” she stated.

The controller further highlighted that the reform is legally backed by the NCS Act 2023, which provides a framework for electronic processes and overtime cargo management after 120 days, including provisions for condemnation and auction.

She posited that the digital transformation aligns with the comptroller-general’s vision of delivering efficient, technology-driven trade facilitation while maintaining operational integrity.

She urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new platform, train their teams effectively, and engage constructively with Customs officers to resolve issues quickly.

In his remarks, the customs area controller, Kano/Jigawa command, Dalhatu Abubakar, assured the stakeholders that the command was committed to eliminating overtime cargo.

“As terminal operators, with proper sensitisation and capacity building, we have no reason to admit cargo as overtime in Kano,” he said.