The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi on Monday, 6 November 2023, in Lagos, convened a meeting with stakeholders to address the urgent need for the evacuation of overtime cargoes at the port and implement 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.
The CGC revealed that the NCS has implemented strategies to address issues related to Customs processes and procedures.
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.
