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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a fully automated system for overtime cargo clearance in a bid to checkmate ports congestion and sharp practices among personnel.
This is even as the newly created Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has generated over N4 billion in two months.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who made the disclosure at Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Onne Rivers State, during a sensitization programme of critical stakeholders, added that the reform would reduce administrative bottlenecks and streamline operations of the service.
Adeniyi ,who was represented by the Comptroller Special Duties, Headquarters, Hadiel Hadison, noted that the initiative was informed by his desire to add value to the national economy, facilitate trade and secure the nation.
He said: “This is the Comptroller-General of Customs drive of changing the narrative of the service by way of approving the automation of overtime clearing processes and procedures and as stakeholders.
“It is very important that you have this background knowledge so that together we can move the system and also add value to the national economy and by extension, also be a part of that element that would secure the nation.
“Gentlemen, it is high time that every aspect of customs operations are automated and that informed the Comptroller-General of Customs decision that these aspects of the clearing processes be properly explained to all the stakeholders.”
On his part, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, who was represented by the Controller, Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, said the intervention demonstrates the fact that the Nigeria Customs can both serve as a facilitator of trade and integrity.
“This initiative marks a turning point in our operations, for years the challenges of congestion, manual paperwork bottlenecks, abandoned cargo and lengthy clearance process have weighed down trade facilitation and slowed economic activities.
“Today, with the automated overtime cargo clearance automated system, we are demonstrating that customs can be both a facilitator of trade and a guarantor of integrity.”
Explaining the advantages of the automated system, mohammed stated that the system both engenders transparency and accountability, stressing that the reform is also backed by law.
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He said, “The pertinent question is what does this new system entails, it is transparent, every action in this process is time stamped, tracked and recorded, it is simple, stakeholders can now apply, track and receive approvals online without unnecessary physical contact and it improves accountability, officers and stakeholders alike are bound by clear roles and strict guidelines.
“It is efficient, consignments can now move smoothly and litigation over disposal will be reduced and it fosters data integrity as all documents from application to disposal records are fully automated.
“Most importantly, this reform is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provides the legal framework for electronic process, overtime cargo timelines and the disposal methods.
“As you are aware, the act empowers Nigeria Customs Service to handle overtime consignment after 120 days, with provisions for condemnation, auction under disposal methods.”
Meanwhile, the pioneer Customs Area Controller, Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command, Comptroller UM Abubakar, has disclosed that the sum of N4,241,799,847.45 has been collected by the new command.
Abubakar made the disclosure in Port Harcourt, saying the amount was generated from July 3 to September 9, 2025.
He further stated that the Debit Note (DN) raised within the period under review was N57,886,689.39, noting a remarkable growth in such a short period.
Comptroller Abubakar said: “This remarkable growth in such a short time underscores the huge potential of Ibeto Command and the commitment of all stakeholders.”
Abubakar mentioned that the Command was able to overcome its challenges, having started from scratch, saying, “with determination and the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation, we turned obstacles into stepping stones.”
He, however, acknowledged the unwavering support of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ibeto Group, Mr. Cletus Ibeto, in providing accommodation, welfare and encouragement to officers which made their work easier at take-off.
He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team for entrusting him with such historic responsibility for overseeing the new command to contribute to national development.
