The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an automated “Overtime E-Clearance System” aimed at reducing congestion at the nation’s ports, curbing corruption, and speeding up cargo clearance processes.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the digital platform allows consignees to submit and track overtime cargo clearance applications online, eliminating the need for repeated physical visits and reducing manual processing.

The system builds on recent policy reforms that extended cargo dwelling periods from 30 to 120 days, giving stakeholders greater flexibility. Adeniyi stressed that the initiative promotes transparency, integrity, and compliance with the law, and encouraged users to provide feedback during the pilot phase before full deployment.

He also cautioned against abuse of the system, highlighting ongoing investigations into abandoned cargo cases, and warned that deliberate evasion of duties would attract stricter sanctions. Additional sensitization sessions will be conducted with terminal operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders before the program is expanded nationwide.