Save Nigeria Group Praises Customs Boss on Overtime Cargo Clearance Automation

..Cancels Protest

ZAINAB JUNAID

Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) group, has commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi for launching the Overtime Cargo Clearance Automation system, saying it’s a step in the right direction.

The automation system enables clearing agents to work from their comfort zones to clear overtime Cargo and auction containers, reducing physical interactions and minimizing opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Speaking in Lagos on Monday 15 September 2025, the National Coordinator, Patrick Osita Chukwu stated that the new development will eliminate unnecessary costs and enhances stakeholders experience.

He emphasised that the initiative will eradicate printing and modifying of auction papers, which previously led to additional costs for stakeholders, likewise clearing agents can now work from their comfort zones, reducing the need for physical interactions and making the process more seamless.

He also appreciated the CGC and his management for conducting the widely attended sensitisation exercise on the automation of overtime cargo clearance, and Cargo process maintenance.

“The CGC has shown doggedness in improving cargo processes, maintenance, cargo clearance facilitation, and trade enhancement. With this development, myself and my members have supported the CGC’s tenure extension.

“Also, on the suspended protest, we are not holding any protest again as this development indicated a positive impact on Stakeholders. We also thank the newly appointed Zone A Customs Chief, Zonal Coordinator, ACG Babandede, for being part of this exercise. I wish that they can extend it to those who are not opportune to be in the hall today. To enable them to have this sensitisation, to increase their knowledge too, thereby creating room for them to understand why the automation was initiated,” he stated.

The Service on Monday took a bold step towards increasing efficiency by designing a new window to speed up cargo clearance, reduce delay and enhance trade facilitation at the Port.

In a one-day sensitisation programme for Stakeholders in the maritime sector to address constant delays caused by abandoned consignments, the agency announced an extension cargo clearance period from 90 days to 120 days.