The clearance of consignments in Nigeria is a multi-agency process that involves several government regulatory bodies, security agencies, and enforcement units. These agencies ensure compliance with trade laws, security protocols, and environmental regulations.
1. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
Role in Clearance
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is the primary agency responsible for:
✅ Assessment and collection of import duties and taxes.
✅ Inspection and clearance of goods.
✅ Preventing smuggling and illegal imports.
Key Requirements
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
- Form M (Import Declaration Form)
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Customs Duty Payment Receipt
NCS works with other agencies to ensure compliance with trade regulations.
2. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates port activities and cargo handling.
✅ Collects port charges and levies.
✅ Controls ship and cargo movement within Nigerian ports.
Key Requirements
- Payment of port handling charges.
- Shipping documents submission.
NPA ensures the smooth movement of cargo within Nigeria’s ports.
3. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates importation of food, drugs, cosmetics, and chemicals.
✅ Ensures imported products meet safety and quality standards.
Key Requirements
- NAFDAC Import Permit.
- Product Registration Certificate.
- Certificate of Analysis (for pharmaceuticals and chemicals).
NAFDAC prevents the importation of harmful or substandard consumable goods.
4. Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
Role in Clearance
✅ Ensures imported goods meet Nigerian industrial standards.
✅ Prevents importation of substandard and counterfeit products.
Key Requirements
- SONCAP Certificate (for regulated products).
- Product Certificate from SON-approved laboratories.
SON guarantees that only high-quality and safe products enter Nigeria.
5. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates environmentally sensitive imports.
✅ Prevents illegal dumping of hazardous and electronic waste.
Key Requirements
- NESREA Import Permit.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report.
NESREA ensures that imports do not pose environmental hazards.
6. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Role in Clearance
✅ Prevents the smuggling of hard drugs and narcotics.
✅ Conducts cargo inspections for illegal drugs.
Key Requirements
- NDLEA Clearance for pharmaceutical imports.
- Drug Testing Certification.
NDLEA inspects all shipments suspected of containing illicit drugs.
7. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
Role in Clearance
✅ Ensures importers pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports.
✅ Issues Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) for businesses.
Key Requirements
- VAT Payment Receipt.
- Tax Clearance Certificate.
FIRS ensures that all import transactions comply with tax laws.
8. Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates importation of plants, animals, and agricultural products.
✅ Prevents the spread of foreign pests and diseases.
Key Requirements
- Plant Quarantine Permit.
- Animal Health Certificate.
NAQS ensures agricultural imports are safe for Nigeria’s ecosystem.
9. Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) (Now NUPRC)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates importation of petroleum products.
✅ Ensures crude oil export meets international standards.
Key Requirements
- DPR Import Permit.
- Quality Certification for petroleum products.
DPR ensures compliance with petroleum industry regulations.
10. Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates and facilitates Nigeria’s export trade.
✅ Ensures exported goods meet international standards.
Key Requirements
- Export Declaration Form (EDF).
- NEPC Export Certificate.
NEPC promotes Nigeria’s non-oil export industry.
11. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates maritime security and safety.
✅ Issues seaworthiness certificates for vessels.
Key Requirements
- Shipping Security Clearance.
- Cargo Safety Certificate.
NIMASA ensures safe shipping operations in Nigeria.
12. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates foreign exchange transactions for imports.
✅ Approves Form M for all import transactions.
Key Requirements
- Form M (compulsory for all imports).
- Import Duty Payment Receipts.
CBN ensures foreign exchange compliance in trade transactions.
13. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
Role in Clearance
✅ Regulates movement of foreigners engaged in import/export businesses.
✅ Issues work permits and business visas.
Key Requirements
- Business Visa for foreign traders.
- Work Permit (for foreign logistics workers).
NIS enforces immigration laws for foreign traders.
Security and Law Enforcement Agencies in Customs Clearance
14. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
✅ Assists in investigating criminal import activities.
✅ Conducts security checks at ports and borders.
Key Role
- Police escorts for high-risk cargo.
- Intervention in cargo theft and disputes.
15. Department of State Services (DSS)
✅ Conducts security clearance for sensitive imports.
✅ Investigates imports linked to national security risks.
Key Role
- Checks for illegal arms smuggling.
- Clears imports related to intelligence and military equipment.
16. Anti-Bomb Squad (EOD Unit, NPF)
✅ Screens cargo for explosives and hazardous materials.
✅ Works with Customs and DSS for high-risk shipments.
Key Role
- Inspects containers suspected of containing explosives.
- Ensures port security against bomb threats.
Conclusion
The clearance of consignments in Nigeria involves regulatory, security, and enforcement agencies, ensuring goods meet legal, safety, and environmental standards.
To avoid delays and penalties, importers/exporters should:
✅ Engage licensed customs agents.
✅ Understand agency requirements before import/export.
✅ Ensure timely submission of required documents.
Written by Owoyomi Oluwatosin Adedapo (OOA)