The Nigeria Customs Service has sensitized stakeholders on its newly launched automated system for clearance of overtime Cargo.
The Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Nsikan Umoh, while introducing the new ‘service’ on Friday during a sensitization exercise held in Kano for stakeholders including consignees, importers, customs brokers, shipping companies, terminal operators, and customs officers within Zones B and D charged them to to take full advantage of the new system.
Represented by Deborah Adeyemi, Controller in charge of the Post-Clearance Unit, Zone B, Mr. Umoh described the automated electronic clearance system for overtime cargo as a landmark reform aimed at addressing persistent challenges of congestion, inefficiency, bottlenecks, and fraud associated with the manual clearance process at the nation’s ports and terminals.
He noted that with the unveiling of the system, the Service is demonstrating that Customs can serve as both a facilitator of trade and a guarantor of integrity. According to him, the platform is simple and user-friendly, enabling stakeholders to apply, track, and receive approvals online without unnecessary physical contact.
Other benefits highlighted include enhanced transparency and accountability, improved efficiency, and strengthened integrity, as all documents from applications to disposal records are now fully automated and integrated with Customs’ central servers.
Mr. Umoh further stressed that the reform is legitimate, as it is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provides the legal framework for electronic processes, timelines for overtime cargo, and disposal methods.
“As you are aware, the Act empowers the Service to handle overtime consignments after 120 days, with provisions for condemnation, auction, or other disposal methods. This system simply gives life to those legal provisions with clarity, fairness, and speed. For stakeholders in Zones B and D whether you are in Kano/Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, or Kogi—this is your opportunity to embrace change,” he said.
He added that the platform allows stakeholders to manage consignments conveniently from their offices or even mobile phones, eliminating the burden of endless paperwork, visits, and long waiting times while granting real-time visibility of application status.
Mr. Umoh therefore urged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the process, train their teams to use the e-platform effectively, and engage constructively with Customs officers to resolve any issues amicably and promptly.
As part of the sensitization exercise, a presentation on the general overview of the system was delivered by Chief Superintendent of Customs, National Headquarters, A.A. Abdulkadir, while Assistant Comptroller of Customs, I.S. Muhammed, guided participants through step-by-step ICT procedures for accessing and applying the process.
In his vote of thanks, the Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, encouraged stakeholders to become active advocates of the reform by extending the knowledge gained to their partners and clients.
He emphasized that effective collaboration and compliance by all actors would not only fast-track cargo clearance but also boost revenue generation, strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, and enhance the country’s ease of doing business ranking on the global stage.
In a related development, an overview session was conducted for officers drawn from the various zones, aimed at familiarizing them with the system and equipping them with the requisite skills for its effective management.