from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – THE Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Customs Area II Command, convened a stakeholders’ engagement this week to address operational procedures and trade facilitation challenges at Onne Port, while reinforcing the need for strict compliance with cargo documentation requirements.
The engagement, held at the command’s conference room in Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State was disclosed in a press statement issued and signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Paul Gimba.
It brought together customs-licensed agents, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping line representatives, and senior officers of the command.
Addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, commended stakeholders for their cooperation throughout 2025, noting that sustained collaboration contributed significantly to improved performance.
He disclosed that the command recorded a 15.4 per cent increase in revenue collection in 2025 compared to 2024, attributing the outcome to effective synergy between the service and port users.
Comptroller Alkali stressed that proper documentation remains central to efficient cargo clearance and reduced dwell time at the port.
He cited findings from the Time Release Study, stating verbatim: “the Time Release Study (TRS), launched on 26th January 2026 during the celebration of International Customs Day, revealed that improper documentation remains a major factor hindering timely clearance and the fast release of consignments.”
He further cautioned stakeholders against the misuse of Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports issued specifically for Port Harcourt Area II Command, warning that PAAR documents should not be deployed in other area commands.
The controller also urged shipping lines to clearly state the intent of consignments during manifest transmission, warned against tampering with container tracking devices, and emphasised the timely renewal of customs bond licences to avoid operational disruptions.
An interactive question-and-answer session formed the highlight of the meeting, during which stakeholders raised concerns relating to job transfer delays, operational bottlenecks, disparities in land charges between western and eastern ports, manifest upload timelines, and the period before containers are classified as abandoned.
The command encouraged stakeholders to submit unresolved issues in writing to enable proper documentation, structured engagement, and effective follow-up by relevant authorities.
This approach, customs officials noted, underscores the importance of clear communication between complainants and regulatory agencies in resolving practical challenges and improving port efficiency.
Comptroller Alkali assured participants of continued engagement, as senior command officers and industry representatives attended the meeting in Onne Port.
– CAJ News