Clearing Agents Urge Customs to Extend Deadline on 905 Overtime Cargoes in Lagos Ports
Licensed clearing agents have appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to extend its two-week ultimatum for importers to clear 905 overtime cargoes stranded at various terminals in Lagos State. The agents, in separate interviews, argued that the time frame was too short and could lead to huge financial losses for importers who are unable to meet the deadline.
The NCS had earlier issued a two-week grace period, warning that any cargoes left uncleared at the end of the window risk forfeiture to the Federal Government. Customs further disclosed that it would initiate disposal processes for such goods, in line with established laws guiding overtime cargo management.
Industry stakeholders, however, believe that the directive is impractical under current conditions. A chieftain of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Abayomi Duyile, stressed that more time should be granted to importers to safeguard their investments. He added that the government could step in to request shipping companies to reduce or subsidize demurrage charges, which have worsened the financial burden on importers.
Similarly, Mr. Taiwo Fatobilola, the National Public Relations Officer of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, cited poor network infrastructure at ports as a major hindrance. “If under the two weeks there is no network to process payments or documentation, how do you justify the deadline?” he queried. Other agents, including Mr. Stanley Ezenga of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, emphasized that many importers were constrained financially, suggesting that even a year-long extension might still not be enough for some.
Responding to the concerns, the NCS Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, clarified that the disposal of overtime cargoes is a routine statutory process. He explained that under the law, uncleared goods are given 30 days, after which they are moved to zonal and headquarters offices before being condemned by a court order. He added that notices are also published in national newspapers to invite importers to claim their items within the stipulated period before final forfeiture.
Source: punch