The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new guideline to limit the duration of cargo stay at ports to a maximum of 30 days, aiming to enhance trade facilitation in line with the Federal Government's Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

In a statement signed by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS outlined the implementation of new rules to regulate the dwell time for both import and export consignments at port terminals. This move is designed to address congestion, improve clearance processes, and reduce disputes related to the disposal of overtime cargo.

Maiwada emphasized that the new measures reinforce the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, which mandates imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days of the carrier’s discharge or within a time frame set by the NCS as specified in Section 30(1). Additionally, Section 149(1) grants the NCS the authority to set time limits for cargoes exiting the customs territory.

The guidelines include a 30-day grace period from the date of arrival at the port, during which cargo can be cleared without facing overtime clearance penalties. After this period, any remaining cargo will be classified as “overtime” but can still be cleared within an additional 30 days, provided the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC) approves the extension.

This initiative aims to streamline cargo clearance and maintain order at port terminals, offering both importers and exporters adequate time to complete their transactions.

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