Nigeria Customs Introduces New Guidelines to Regulate Dwelling Time for Port Cargo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of new guidelines to regulate the dwelling time for import and export consignments at port terminals.
This initiative underscores the Service’s commitment to facilitating trade in alignment with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
According to a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer, For Comptroller General of Customs, the measures are designed to alleviate port congestion, streamline clearance processes, and reduce disputes associated with the handling of overtime cargo.
The guidelines, based on provisions in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, mandate that imported consignments must be cleared within 30 days of the discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as stipulated in Section 30(1).
Furthermore, Section 149(1) empowers the NCS to set time limits for cargo to leave customs territory.
These regulations aim to enhance compliance, minimise delays, and ensure orderliness at port terminals.
To further boost efficiency, the NCS has detailed a structured timeline for cargo clearance:
30-Day Free Clearance Period: All consignments will enjoy a 30-day window from the date of arrival at the port for clearance, free of overtime penalties.
Additional 30-Day Clearance Opportunity: Cargo exceeding the 30-day period will be classified as “overtime” but may still be cleared within an extra 30 days, subject to application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).
Extended Clearance Period: Consignments undeclared within 60 days will require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator upon application. This provision is valid for a total of 90 days from the cargo’s arrival.
Disposal Process Commencement: Any consignment uncleared after 90 days will be subject to the disposal process as prescribed by the NCSA 2023.
The NCS also retains the authority to initiate the disposal process following the initial 30-day grace period, where deemed necessary.
Speaking on the initiative, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to transparency and efficiency in cargo clearance.
“These measures are pivotal to addressing port congestion, mitigating legal disputes tied to overtime cargo, and fostering trade facilitation,” Adeniyi stated.
Stakeholders are urged to comply with the new guidelines to ensure smooth trade operations and avoid disruptions.
The NCS assured that it will continue to prioritise measures that promote economic growth, enhance the trading environment, and maintain order within Nigeria’s port systems.
