Customs Launches One-Stop-Shop to Reduce Demurrage and Cargo Dwell Time at Ports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a one-stop-shop initiative aimed at reducing demurrage charges and shortening cargo dwell time at the nation’s seaports, a move designed to improve efficiency in port operations and facilitate trade. The initiative seeks to streamline processes by consolidating multiple clearance procedures into a single point of contact, thereby addressing longstanding bottlenecks that have delayed cargo release and increased costs for importers and exporters.

According to Customs officials, the one-stop-shop system integrates key port services, including customs inspection, documentation verification, payment of duties, and coordination with other regulatory agencies, within a unified framework. By centralising these functions, the NCS aims to eliminate duplication, reduce procedural delays, and enhance transparency in cargo handling. Officials said that the new arrangement will significantly lower the time goods spend at ports, directly impacting the cost of doing business and supporting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

The NCS noted that prolonged cargo dwell time has been a persistent challenge, often causing demurrage fees to accumulate for importers and creating congestion at port terminals. These inefficiencies, according to the Service, have affected supply chains and hindered economic growth, particularly for businesses dependent on timely delivery of raw materials and finished products. The one-stop-shop initiative is expected to provide a practical solution by improving coordination between Customs and other agencies involved in port clearance.

Customs highlighted that the system is part of a broader digitalisation and modernisation drive within the service, aimed at leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. Through integrated platforms and electronic documentation, importers and exporters can track their cargo status, receive timely notifications, and make payments electronically, reducing the need for repeated physical visits to various offices. The initiative is expected to foster accountability and minimise human interference in port procedures.

Port operators and industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that could transform Nigeria’s logistics landscape. They noted that efficient cargo clearance is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, supporting industrial production, and reducing costs for consumers. By addressing delays and demurrage challenges, the one-stop-shop approach is expected to increase the attractiveness of Nigerian ports as gateways for trade within Africa and beyond.

Customs officials further explained that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to ease the cost of doing business, enhance border management, and improve revenue collection. By shortening the time goods spend in port custody, the NCS also expects to reduce opportunities for pilferage, corruption, and other illegal practices that have historically plagued port operations.

The NCS assured stakeholders that the one-stop-shop system would be continuously monitored and optimised based on operational feedback. Staff training, technological upgrades, and regular process reviews are part of the strategy to ensure that the system delivers the expected benefits to importers, exporters, and other port users. Customs also emphasised that the initiative is designed to complement ongoing reforms in other regulatory agencies to create a seamless trade facilitation environment.

Industry experts observed that the introduction of a one-stop-shop is consistent with global best practices in port management, where integrated clearance procedures have been shown to significantly reduce dwell times and improve overall efficiency. They said that such measures are crucial for countries like Nigeria, where logistics challenges have historically undermined trade competitiveness and increased operational costs for businesses.

Customs further encouraged private sector operators to fully embrace the system, highlighting that collaboration between government agencies and the business community is essential to achieving the desired outcomes. By providing accurate documentation, adhering to regulatory requirements, and engaging with the new platform, importers and exporters can benefit from faster clearance, lower costs, and reduced risk of demurrage penalties.

The NCS one-stop-shop initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports, strengthen trade facilitation, and support economic growth by making the movement of goods faster, cheaper, and more transparent. The Service reiterated its commitment to modernising customs operations and providing a business-friendly environment while maintaining strict regulatory compliance and revenue protection.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as a competitive trade hub in Africa, the one-stop-shop system represents a significant step towards reducing procedural inefficiencies, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring that the country’s ports operate in line with international standards. The Customs Service believes that sustained implementation of this initiative will contribute meaningfully to reducing logistical bottlenecks and improving overall supply chain performance across the nation.