Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (8th from left) and members of the committee.

As part of efforts to expedite the decongestion of overcrowded ports burdened with an excess of overtime cargo, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has officially unveiled a committee on Disposal of Overtime Cargo.

Recall that the CGC had on Monday, November 6, 2023, convened a meeting with stakeholders in Lagos to address the urgent need for the evacuation of overtime cargoes at the port. Additionally, they discussed implementing a 48-hour Customs clearance process to facilitate trade.

This committee is in response to the provisions of the new Customs Act, which empower the NCS to dispose of containers that have exceeded their allotted time within the ports.

Speaking at the Customs headquarters in Abuja, November 8, 2023 the CGC Adeniyi emphasised that alleviating port congestion stands as a paramount objective for the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as President Bola Tinubu, offering the promise of heightened efficiency and enhanced trade facilitation.

“It’s worth noting that approximately six months ago, the new NCS Act received the former President Mohammed Buhari’s signature, ushering in substantial modifications to the previous protocols governing the disposal of overtime cargo,” the CGC stated.

According to him, the provision of the NCS Act 2023 mandated that the disposal of cargo exceeding its allotted time can now only occur through a court order.

“The Act also stipulates that goods must be disposed of through public auction or tender, to be widely publicised in advance through national newspapers, television, and the service’s official website,” CGC explained.

In acknowledging the initiative, the General Manager of MD’s office, Nigerian Ports Authority, Durowaiye Ayodele, expressed relief, highlighting the issue of over 7,000 overtime containers that have remained for years across the ports.

“We have containers that have been there for over ten years, occupying economic space for which we are unable to dispose. So this is a significant relief for our operations. We are delighted that we have reached a point where we can begin to remove some of these lingering containers and overdue cargo from the port,” he stated.

In his remarks, Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, in charge of Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh, affirmed that with the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the changes and new procedures will ensure more streamlined trade operations.

The committee is set to be chaired by a senior officer from the Nigeria Customs Service. Its members include representatives from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, the National Agency for Food, Drugs and Control, a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, among others.

The CGC had on Monday, November 6, 2023, convened a meeting with stakeholders in Lagos to address the urgent need for the evacuation of overtime cargoes at the port. Additionally, they discussed implementing a 48-hour Customs clearance process to facilitate trade.

The CGC engaged in productive discussions with Terminal Operators, Truck Owners, Licensed Customs Agents, and other essential stakeholders within the Port environment.

During the event, the CGC expressed the mission to fulfill the government’s goal of decongesting the port by expediting the removal of containers that have lingered for an extended period. He says, “The objective is to enhance customs procedures, ultimately reducing both time and the cost of conducting business.”

He highlighted the authority granted by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, allowing the NCS to remove overtime cargoes from the port. The CGC emphasized the importance of partnership, support, understanding, collaboration, and participation from all stakeholders to successfully clear the containers from the Ports.

He also announced the formation of a committee, as specified by the Act, which will include government agencies, representatives from terminal operators and shipping lines. “This committee will manage the process of removing containers from the port.” He stated

The CGC revealed that the NCS has implemented strategies to address issues related to Customs processes and procedures. These strategies include the plan to launch the Authorised Economic Operators AEO programme, a robust risk management system, and a time-release study scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

Stakeholders at the event pledged their support to alleviate the Ports from the burden of overtime cargoes. Gerald Mbamalu, representing ICP Bonded Terminal, called for government intervention to improve the road infrastructure, ensuring the smooth movement of trucks in and out of the Ports.

Tunde Keshinro, a Terminal Operator, emphasized that the challenges associated with overtime cargoes revolve around processes, including issues related to their location and the associated costs and charges.

He suggested that it would be more efficient to dispose of the cargo at their current location, streamlining the process and expediting the necessary steps.

To achieve the goal of a 48-hour clearance process, the Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Hon. Princess Chi Eze, urged the CGC to maximise the use of scanners at Apapa Port.

 In response, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Bello Jibo, stated that NCS is committed to monitoring the effective utilisation of scanners by regularly visiting the Ports and Terminals.