The Seaports Terminal Operators Association of
Nigeria (STOAN) on Thursday urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to
introduce a 24-hour examination of goods, especially containers, to facilitate
cargo clearance.
Nigeria (STOAN) on Thursday urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to
introduce a 24-hour examination of goods, especially containers, to facilitate
cargo clearance.
The Spokesman of STOAN, Mr Bolaji Akinola, told the
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the initiative would eliminate
delays at the ports.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the initiative would eliminate
delays at the ports.
He said this was already being practised in some ports
in India, adding that streamlining of cargo clearance processes at the ports
was important.
in India, adding that streamlining of cargo clearance processes at the ports
was important.
“There is the need to streamline cargo clearance at the port. It is very
important, especially as it concerns container operation.
“Container operation is quite sensitive and any
little delay could create a dislocation within the system. Even, if we are
going to start with container operation, then spread it round to others.
little delay could create a dislocation within the system. Even, if we are
going to start with container operation, then spread it round to others.
“Is there a
possibility of embarking on 24-hour, 24/7 customs examination?
possibility of embarking on 24-hour, 24/7 customs examination?
“As is happening, for instance in India, the
government introduced 24/7 customs examination, not for all the goods, for
certain ports.
government introduced 24/7 customs examination, not for all the goods, for
certain ports.
“About 13 of their ports in India now enjoy round-the-
clock customs processing. So, the importer can go there any time and do
documentation and clear the cargo. So, we should begin to see that in Nigeria.
clock customs processing. So, the importer can go there any time and do
documentation and clear the cargo. So, we should begin to see that in Nigeria.
Akinola also urged the Federal Government to repair
the port access roads to ease cargo evacuation from the ports.
the port access roads to ease cargo evacuation from the ports.
