The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday 15 September 2025, unveiled an automated platform to manage overtime cargoes at Apapa Port, in a move aimed at easing congestion, curbing corruption and speeding up cargo release.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, 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.
“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.
He 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 for Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, praised the initiative. “The automation demonstrates not only a commitment to efficiency but also to transparency, digital transformation and the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.
Terminal operators and shipping lines, pledged to cooperate in order to deliver measurable reductions in congestion and improves turnaround times.
