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

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Tuesday that any imported cargoes or vehicles that remain at various seaports for more than 90 days will be classified as overtime cargoes and will be auctioned off.

In a statement issued 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 outlined that this new policy aims to reduce congestion at the ports, improve clearance processes, and decrease disputes over the disposal of overtime cargo.

According to Assistant Controller Maiwada, all imported and exported consignments will be allowed a 30-day period from the date of arrival at the port without incurring overtime clearance charges.

“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 statement explained.

The new regulations are intended to address the growing issue of port congestion, streamline the clearance process, and minimize conflicts associated with handling overtime cargo. As per the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, imported consignments must be cleared within 30 days after the completion of discharge from the importing carrier, or within a period prescribed by the NCS, according to Section 30(1).

Additionally, Section 149(1) of the Act empowers the NCS to establish time limits for cargoes to leave customs territory. These measures will help ensure compliance, reduce delays, and maintain order at port terminals, while giving importers and exporters enough time for clearance.

The NCS is urging stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations to ensure smoother trade operations.

The guidelines specify that consignments that remain undeclared for more than 60 days will require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator before being cleared. If a consignment remains uncleared beyond 90 days from arrival, it will enter the disposal process, which may involve auctioning.

The statement emphasized that while the guidelines provide for an initial 30-day grace period, the NCS reserves the right to initiate disposal proceedings for any consignment that has exceeded this period, in line with the NCSA 2023.

The NCS, under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains committed to enhancing the efficiency and transparency of cargo clearance processes, reducing port congestion, and promoting smooth trade practices. The agency encouraged all stakeholders to comply with these regulations to avoid unnecessary delays and complications.