Overtime E-Clearance System boosts port efficiency

Overtime E-Clearance System launched by Customs to clear 15-year cargo backlog, reduce corruption, and ease congestion at Nigeria’s busy Apapa Port

Overtime E-Clearance System has been officially launched by the Nigeria Customs Service to address a 15-year backlog of abandoned cargo and ease persistent congestion at Apapa Port.

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The automated platform was unveiled on Monday by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a sensitisation session in Lagos.

The system allows consignees to submit and monitor applications remotely, significantly reducing the need for repeated physical visits to Customs offices and limiting opportunities for manual interference.

“This is a digital leap for Nigeria’s port operations,” said Adeniyi. “The focus is transparency, integrity, and strict adherence to the law. Stakeholders now have the opportunity to engage directly with the system and provide feedback before full deployment.”

The Overtime E-Clearance System builds on an earlier policy decision that extended cargo dwell time from 30 to 120 days.

The platform is expected to modernise cargo management, promote compliance, and cut delays caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Adeniyi also issued a firm warning to those who may attempt to abuse the new system, highlighting a 15-year-old cargo abandonment case still under investigation.

“Deliberately abandoning cargo to evade duty payments will attract stronger sanctions,” he said. “Our intelligence units will monitor activity closely to ensure compliance.”

Further sensitisation exercises are planned for this week, with terminal operators, shipping companies, and logistics stakeholders set to be briefed on system use.

The Nigeria Customs Service noted that full deployment would follow after review of feedback and clarification of legal concerns.

The move comes just days after the suspension of the controversial 4% Free on Board levy on imported goods by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

The timing, analysts suggest, signals a broader policy shift towards reducing friction in import procedures and stimulating trade efficiency.

The Overtime E-Clearance System represents a critical step in modernising Nigeria’s maritime logistics ecosystem.

With Apapa Port serving as one of the busiest in West Africa, the platform is expected to play a key role in improving turnaround time and reducing the massive costs incurred by importers due to port delays.

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Stakeholders have been encouraged to explore the platform and offer suggestions, as Customs pushes for wider digitisation across its commands in the coming months.