NSC, police target faster cargo flow
Nigeria’s shipping regulator has launched training for maritime police officers to address cargo clearance delays averaging 21 days at national ports, among the longest processing times globally. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council workshop in Lagos focused on eliminating procedural bottlenecks and enforcement conflicts that extend dwell periods and increase storage costs for importers, with officials noting Singapore processes containers in six hours while regional competitor Lome requires seven days.
Executive Secretary Pius Akutah said stakeholders have reported detention orders affecting previously cleared shipments and operational disruptions from overlapping agency activities. Maritime Police Assistant Inspector General Chinedu Oko emphasized that law enforcement efficiency directly influences investor confidence and trade flow, while Deputy Commissioner Chukwuemeka Obasi outlined reform priorities including harmonized agency roles, digital surveillance integration and enhanced prosecution frameworks.
The capacity-building program reinforces 2018 protocols requiring senior authorization for enforcement actions at port facilities supporting the government’s blue economy development objectives.
