Nigeria Customs Service Unveils New Import , Export Operation Guidelines 

In a statement signed by the Customs

National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS emphasized that these new measures are in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

The guidelines require that imported consignments be cleared within 30 days following the discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe set by the NCS.

Additionally, Section 149(1) of the NCSA gives the Service the authority to set time limits for cargoes to exit customs territory, ensuring smoother operations and preventing unnecessary delays.

To support efficient clearance, the NCS has introduced a 30-day grace period, during which cargo will not incur overtime charges. After this period, cargo deemed “overtime” may still be cleared within an additional 30 days with approval from the Customs Area Controller (CAC). If consignments remain uncleared for 60 days, they can only be cleared with approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator, and clearance must occur within 90 days from arrival. After this window, the NCS will begin the process of disposing of the consignment.

The Service clarified that it reserves the right to initiate the disposal process after the initial 30-day period, should it be deemed necessary.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance system, which will reduce port congestion and mitigate legal disputes related to overtime cargo.

The NCS is urging stakeholders to comply with the new guidelines to facilitate smoother and more effective trade operations.

The new measures are part of the NCS’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports and support the country’s broader economic objectives.