Nigeria Customs Service Moves to Automate Overtime Cargo Clearance in Zone A

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced plans to fully automate its overtime cargo clearance system in Zone A, a landmark move expected to reduce corruption, cut down port congestion, and promote transparency in cargo management.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a sensitisation exercise with key industry stakeholders at the Apapa Customs Command. He described the reform as a “bold step” to address the decades-long inefficiencies that have plagued the handling of overtime cargo in Nigeria’s busiest maritime zone.

24000 Jobs To Be Created By CNG Trucks Dangote Debunks Job Loss Claims

Ending Years of Cargo Mismanagement

Overtime cargo refers to goods abandoned at the ports beyond the legally stipulated period, often due to disputes, non-clearance, or other administrative bottlenecks. For years, this has remained a sore point in the nation’s ports, with containers piling up, taking valuable space, and sometimes staying unattended for as long as 15 years.

Adeniyi acknowledged the gravity of the problem, noting that more than half of the complaints received by his office on a daily basis are tied to challenges in the management of overtime cargo.

“The automation of overtime cargo clearance is not a revenue drive; it is first and foremost a trade facilitation tool,” the CGC stressed. “We are determined to ensure that goods do not remain abandoned indefinitely at our ports. By leveraging technology, we will inject speed, efficiency, and transparency into the process.”

Transparency at the Core

For years, stakeholders have accused officials of using the opaque nature of overtime cargo clearance as an avenue for rent-seeking and sharp practices. The CGC admitted that the old system created room for corruption and inefficiency, which harmed Nigeria’s reputation as a trade hub.

Under the planned system, overtime cargo will be catalogued, tracked, and auctioned electronically, with stakeholders able to follow the process in real time. This will not only remove human discretion that often breeds corruption but also ensure that genuine traders have access to cargo without unnecessary delays.

“Automation will reduce the discretionary powers of individuals, which is where corruption thrives. The new system will provide a clear digital trail for every cargo handled, leaving no room for manipulation,” Adeniyi said.

Tackling Port Congestion

One of the immediate benefits of the automation exercise will be the decongestion of Lagos ports. Apapa and Tin Can Island, the two busiest ports in Zone A, have long battled with congestion, worsened by abandoned or uncleared cargo. These conditions drive up demurrage costs for shippers, reduce port efficiency, and discourage foreign trade.

By ensuring that overtime cargo is disposed of in a timely and transparent manner, Adeniyi said the NCS hopes to free up space, improve cargo flow, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make our ports not only the busiest but also the most efficient in Africa,” he added.

Stakeholder Engagement and Sensitisation

Monday’s sensitisation programme was attended by representatives of freight forwarders, clearing agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, and civil society groups. The CGC emphasised that automation cannot succeed without the cooperation and buy-in of all stakeholders.

“This is not just a Customs project; it is a national project. We are asking for your support and collaboration as we roll out this system. Together, we can build a cargo clearance system that reflects the integrity and efficiency Nigerians deserve,” he said.

Several stakeholders welcomed the initiative, though some expressed concerns about possible glitches in the technology rollout and the need for training. The CGC assured them that capacity-building programmes and help desks will be established to ease the transition.

Beyond Zone A: Nationwide Reforms

While the pilot phase will begin in Zone A, Adeniyi disclosed that the long-term plan is to extend automation to all Customs zones across the country. This, he explained, would create a uniform clearance system and end the inconsistencies that often frustrate trade across different regions.

“The lessons we learn from Zone A will be applied to other zones. Our ultimate goal is a national framework that makes overtime cargo management seamless, transparent, and fair,” he said.

Aligning with Global Trade Standards

The move aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, which requires member states to simplify, modernize, and harmonize export and import processes.

Experts argue that by automating cargo clearance, Nigeria will be better positioned to attract investment, strengthen its ports as regional hubs, and improve its ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and boost non-oil revenue, efficient port operations remain critical. The Customs boss emphasised that the automation project represents not just a technical shift but also a cultural change in the way trade is conducted in the country.

“This reform is about building trust. Traders must trust that the system will be fair, transparent, and efficient. Nigerians must trust that their institutions are working in their interest. That is the legacy we want to leave behind,” Adeniyi declared.

For an economy battling with inflation, forex scarcity, and dwindling oil revenues, the stakes are high. If successfully implemented, the automated overtime cargo clearance system could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for efficient trade facilitation and economic growth.