The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an automated platform to manage overtime cargoes at Apapa Port, in a bid to ease congestion, curb corruption and speed up cargo release.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, unveiled the “Overtime E-Clearance System” on Monday, September 15, 2025, during a sensitization exercise in Lagos. He said the new system will allow consignees to submit and track applications remotely, 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.
The Customs boss warned against attempts to exploit the process, citing a 15-year-old overtime cargo case still under investigation as an example of why loopholes must be closed. He stressed that deliberate abandonment of cargo to evade duties would attract tougher sanctions, with intelligence units monitoring misuse.
Under the rollout plan, Customs will host further sensitisation sessions this week with terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders, before expanding engagement to additional commands. Deployment will follow after feedback is reviewed and legal concerns are addressed.
Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, commended the initiative, describing it as “a commitment to efficiency, transparency, digital transformation and the ease of doing business in Nigeria.”
Terminal operators and shipping lines have also pledged cooperation to ensure the system delivers measurable reductions in port congestion and improves turnaround times.
