By Ufoh Awele Anthony
Copyright independent
Anthony Ufoh
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the automated clearance system to ease port congestion on Monday ,15 September 2025.
The automated platform is designed to manage overtime cargoes at the Apapa Port, and according to the Comptroller General of the service, Adewale Adeniyi, it would help in the curbing of corrupt practices and also help in speeding up cargo release.
The information was made available to members of the public on the services X account, @customsNG (formerly Twitter).
Adeniyi while launching the “Overtime E-Clearance System” during a sensitisation exercise in Lagos, said the platform will enable consignees to submit and track applications remotely, cutting repeated visits to Customs offices and limiting manual interference.
He said, “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 warned against attempts to abuse the process, citing a 15-year-old overtime cargo case still under investigation as an example of why loopholes must be closed.
He added that deliberate abandonment of cargo to evade duties would attract tougher sanctions, with intelligence units monitoring misuse.
Under the rollout plan, Customs will hold further sensitisation sessions this week with terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders before expanding engagement to additional commands.
Deployment will follow once feedback is reviewed and legal queries addressed.
Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, praised the initiative saying, “The automation demonstrates not only a commitment to efficiency but also to transparency, digital transformation and the ease of doing business in Nigeria.”
Terminal operators and shipping lines, pledged to cooperate in order to deliver measurable reductions in congestion and improves turnaround times.
