TRS implementation expected to bring 24-hour cargo clearance —Customs CG

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, in an interview in Lagos on Monday has expressed confidence that the implementation of the Time Release Study (TRS) will eliminate delays in cargo clearance and enable 24-hour port operations.

He emphasised that the TRS aims to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness by identifying and removing obstacles in operations.

Adeniyi stressed the importance of understanding the root causes of cargo clearance delays, identifying specific areas of delay, analysing the underlying reasons and implementing effective solutions to streamline the process.

“We cannot reduce time of clearing cargo if we do not know what is causing it, and where it’s being delayed.

“First, we have to identify the cost, the areas where there are delays, understand the cause and then apply the right solutions to them.

“It will be my pleasure to clear cargoes from our ports in just one day. We were doing it for two days before, so why can’t we do it for one day. That is what the TRS exercise is all about,” Adeniyi said.

He reiterated that the TRS report is slated for release within six months once all systems are automated and integrated for optimal functioning.

Adeniyi reassured the public that the TRS findings will be shared with the government and stakeholders as promised.

He underscored the customs management’s preparedness to suggest necessary legal revisions to mitigate delays caused by current laws.

Adeniyi mentioned that the NCS had invited three ministers Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Marine and Blue Economy to address cargo clearance delays at the TRS launch.