By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled an automated platform known as E-Clearance System, to manage overtime cargoes at the Apapa Port. This is aimed at easing congestion, curbing corruption and speeding up cargo release at the port.
Launching the platform during a sensitisation exercise in Lagos on Monday, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, said the platform will enable consignees to submit and track applications remotely, thereby reducing repeated visits to customs offices and limiting manual interference.
“The system builds on an earlier policy that extended cargo dwelling periods from 30 to 120 days to give stakeholders more flexibility. The focus is transparency, integrity and adherence to the law. We urge stakeholders to test the system and provide feedback ahead of full deployment,” Adeniyi said.
He warned against abuse of the process, citing a 15-year-old overtime cargo case still under investigation as an example of why loopholes must be closed, saying deliberate abandonment of cargo to evade duties would attract tougher sanctions, with intelligence units monitoring misuse.
Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, praised the initiative. “The automation demonstrates not only a commitment to efficiency but also to transparency, digital transformation and the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.
A post by the Nigeria Customs Service on its X platform indicated that Terminal operators and shipping lines pledged to co-operate with the E-Clearance system playform in order to deliver measurable reductions in congestion and improves turnaround times.
Under the rollout plan, Customs will hold further sensitisation sessions this week with terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders before expanding engagement to additional commands. “Deployment will follow once feedback is reviewed and legal queries addressed,” the NCS stated.
