Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Command, Comptroller Mamman Jamo, has assured that 48 hours cargo clearance can be possible at the ports provided the business community operating at the ports complies with the federal government guideline on importation.

The customs boss who stated this in an interview, said the importers/agents should make proper declaration and correct payments for their import. He noted that the 48  hours clearance is also possible if agents /importers are encouraged to operate at the ports at weekends provided they complied with the official guideline. He said this would go a long way in reducing delay of cargo clearance and  port congestion.

According to him, agents should be able to make self assessment of their goods, which would make the verification easier for the officers of Nigerian Customs Service and this, he said would eliminate delay in the release of cargoes declared.

He argued that some operators have cited inconsistency and poor implementation of government policies over the years and government agencies with overlapping functions and lack of adequate infrastructures as reasons why 48 hours cargo clearance might not be attained, but noted that the shipping companies have important role to play to achieve 48 hours clearance of cargo.

“The shipping companies should provide connectivity with agents/their importers and other relevant agencies. Shipping companies should provide definite time for container positioning at the terminal examination bays for select cargoes. The shipping companies should display the actual location of containers and inter-terminal transfer for display, so that the time wasting on locating the cargo is reduced and 48 hours clearance of cargo could be achieved,” he said.

The Customs boss urged the customs officers to live up to their duties, stressing that there must be change in their attitude towards this important aspect of their functions. There should never be delay on any correct documentations and payment of duties as stipulated by law,” he said.

“The service should equally insist on the speedy submission of manifest electronically and thereafter notify the manifest seat within 24 hours of arrival of the vessel, this will equally eliminate delay,” he added.