Cargo Management: Nigeria Customs Unveils e-clearance Platform

Cargo management at the Apapa Port complex is set to improve following Nigeria Customs launch of an e-clearance platform there.

The Overtime E-Clearance System, an automated platform which aims to reduce congestion at the complex.

It was unveiled yesterday, with high expectation it would help to address a staggering 15-year backlog of abandoned cargo and tackle corruption in the system.

In a statement on its X handle, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the platform would 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.

READ ALSO: 2025 Recruitment: Nigeria Customs Warns Prospective Applicants

READ ALSO: Non Oil Exports: See List OF Products Driving Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Earnings

Warning against abuse of the e-clearance platform, the Customs Comptroller-General  cited a 15-year-old overtime cargo case still under investigation, stating that there would sanction for shippers who deliberately abandon cargo just to evade duties.

Operators see the coming of the e-clearance platform as a welcome development which would help to make cargo management at the port more efficient.