The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to fully automate overtime cargo clearance in Zone ‘A’, a reform aimed at decongesting ports, curbing corruption, boosting transparency, and facilitating trade for economic growth.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, speaking at a sensitisation forum with stakeholders in Lagos, revealed that some cargoes have been left in ports for over 15 years. He described the automation drive as a bold step to end decades of inefficiency in managing overtime cargo.
Adeniyi explained that while revenue from overtime cargo sales was less than one percent of NCS’s ₦6.3 trillion earnings in 2024, the real goal of the new system is trade facilitation, not revenue generation.
“Our interest is in getting cargoes quickly to importers, manufacturers, and government agencies, not in keeping them in the ports,” he stressed, adding that priority desks had been set up to fast-track clearance of critical government projects, private sector imports, and diplomatic consignments.
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The CG assured stakeholders that the automated system would block loopholes, minimise human interference, and prevent criminal exploitation of the process.
Assistant Comptroller-General Idaho Umar described the initiative as part of Customs’ transformation into a modern, globally aligned organisation, noting that the digital clearance system will simplify procedures, enhance data integrity, reduce delays, and restore confidence in cargo management.
“The automation of overtime cargo clearance will achieve transparency of process, eliminate duplication, streamline documentation, and prevent indiscriminate disposal of goods. It will also ease congestion in ports, terminals, and warehouses,” Umar said.
He added that the exercise reflects the Service’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
Umar also assured the stakeholders that the platform would be continuously monitored and refined through consultations with terminal operators, shipping companies, customs brokers, and other industry players.
He emphasized that while revenue remains important, the overarching goal is to facilitate trade, reduce costs for importers, and make the Nigerian ports globally competitive.