A new guideline by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has limited the duration of cargo stay at ports nationwide to a maximum of 30 days.

The measures aim to enhance trade facilitation, in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

In a statement signed by the agency’s spokesman, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS announced the implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals.

Maiwada said the new guidelines are designed to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes, and minimise disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.

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“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),” the statement reads in part.