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Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced new guidelines limiting the duration of cargo stay at ports nationwide to a maximum of 30 days.
In a statement signed by the agency’s spokesman, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals. The measures aim to enhance trade facilitation, in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
According to Mr. Maiwada, the new guidelines are designed to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes, and minimize disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.
The statement reads in part: “Pursuant to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the Service is reinforcing the provisions that mandate the clearance of imported consignments within 30 days of the discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as outlined in Section 30(1).
“Additionally, Section 149(1) empowers the Service to establish time limits for cargoes to leave the customs territory. These guidelines aim to ensure compliance, eliminate undue delays, and maintain order at port terminals while providing importers and exporters sufficient time for cargo clearance.
“To improve efficiency, all consignments will benefit from a 30-day grace period from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance constraints. Any cargo remaining uncleared after 30 days will be classified as ‘overtime’ but can still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).
“For consignments undeclared within 60 days, clearance will require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General or Zonal Coordinator upon application. However, this clearance opportunity will only remain valid within 90 days of arrival. Any consignment uncleared after 90 days will be subject to the commencement of the disposal process.
“Without prejudice to the outlined guidelines, the Service reserves the right to initiate the disposal process, if deemed necessary, after the initial 30-day grace period stipulated by the NCSA 2023.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process to prevent port congestion, reduce legal disputes related to overtime cargo, and promote seamless trade facilitation.”