The Nigeria Customs Service, Onne, Area 11, Rivers, has warned against delayed clearance at the port, saying that consignees risk loss of their cargo.

Aliyu Alkali, the comptroller, stated this in Onne at a sensitisation programme for consignees, customs brokers, terminal operators and customs officers within the zone.

Mr Alkali stated that after the 120-day cargo dwelling period, consignees stood the risk of losing their cargos due to delayed clearance.

He said that the sensitisation programme was aimed at training maritime stakeholders on the Overtime Cargo E-Clearance System.

“Over the years, we have struggled with the challenges of port congestion, manual paperwork, abandoned cargo and lengthy clearance processes. These challenges have negatively impacted trade facilitation; they have also slowed down economic activities at the ports,” he said.

The customs official said that with the automated overtime cargo clearance and disposal system, most of the challenges would be tackled.

“The new system is designed to promote transparency. This is because every action within the process is time-bound, tracked and recorded. Stakeholders can now apply, track and receive approvals online without unnecessary physical contact with officials. This will enhance transparency and accountability,” he said.

Mr Alkali said that when fully on stream, the Overtime Cargo E-Clearance System would reduce the burden of endless letters and waiting time.

“It will help to give real-time visibility on various operational statuses at the port. I think that this is the way to go,” he said.

The comptroller general of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, urged the participants to take advantage of the programme to key into the latest policy actions in port operations.

Represented by Hadiel Hardison, the comptroller of special duties, Mr Adeniyi said that the automated system was in line with global best practices.

In his lecture, Ibrahim Muhammad, assistant comptroller of the ICT Department, demonstrated various stages for cargo clearance and dangers associated with delays.

Mr Muhammad stated that the automated system operating on a 120-day cargo dwelling period targeted to promote transparency in freight operations.

(NAN)