In a major step toward enhancing operational efficiency and regulatory harmony within Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Complaint Unit of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) conducted a high-level working visit to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Led by the Head of the Unit, Dr. Juliana Saka, the bilateral engagement focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, streamlining complaint resolution mechanisms, and resolving long-standing trade grievances between cargo interests and regulatory authorities.
1. INTRODUCTION AND OPENING REMARKS
The meeting opened with welcome address and introductions facilitated by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Apapa Command, I. Suleiman, who outlined the objectives of NPERA’s visit. Mrs. Ojo Oluwatoyin introduced the NPERA delegation, while the Customs PRO presented the executive officers representing the Command.
2. DELIBERATIONS
Dr. Mrs. Juliana Saka,Head, Complaint Unit, NPERA in her opening remarks:
- Highlighted the transition of the former Nigerian Shippers’ Council into NPERA following the enactment of the NPERA Act 2026, establishing the Agency as the primary statutory economic regulator for Nigerian ports.
- Reaffirmed NPERA’s commitment to impartial, evidence-based mediation between service providers, shippers, and consignees to improve the ease of doing business.
- Presented a complaint filed by Cloverleaf Shipping Limited on behalf of Messrs W. J. Bush & Co. regarding a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) query issued on 23 July 2026, following the successful release and delivery of cargo on 2 July 2026, over alleged low valuation and documentation issues (use of an Automated Export System (AES) certificate versus standard declarations).
- Clarified that NPERA does not protect non-compliant traders involved in under-declaration, false declaration, or trade infractions.
- Raised serious concerns regarding unauthorized container holds by agencies operating outside their primary statutory mandates. Disclosed that NPERA is compiling a four-month empirical dataset on container blockages to quantify their macroeconomic impact and advise the Federal Government accordingly.
Comptroller E.O. A. Oshoba, Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Area Command, in his introductory remarks:
- Emphasized that Post-Clearance Audits (PCA) are internationally recognized risk-management tools designed to expedite cargo release at berth while reserving administrative checks for post-delivery reviews.
- Instructed the PCA Unit to immediately issue formal written notification to Cloverleaf Shipping Limited confirming the closure of their query and full clearance.
- Urged external security entities, particularly the Maritime Police, to restrict interventions to verified criminal threats, noting that customs valuation and duty queries belong strictly under Customs’ purview to prevent the “double jeopardy” of port users.
- Called on importers and freight agents to eliminate vague cargo descriptions to minimize manual inspections and supply chain friction.
Deputy Comptroller A.P. Yunusa, Deputy Comptroller, Post-Clearance Audit (PCA), while making contribution explained that:
- The query originated due to a generic line-item description (“mixture of an odoriferous substance”), which triggered valuation and revenue verification protocols.
- Confirmed that upon reviewing the submitted Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Customs successfully verified the cargo as legitimate raw material for perfume manufacturing.
- Confirmed that the audit review had been concluded and the case was officially closed.
3. KEY RESOLUTIONS
- The PCA query against Cloverleaf Shipping Limited / Messrs W. J. Bush & Co. was formally fully resolved and closed.
- Direct administrative instruction was given for Customs to issue official written clearance letters to affected trade parties upon query resolution.
- Reaffirmation by both agencies that customs valuation, duty assessment, and post-clearance checks remain under the sole statutory domain of the Nigeria Customs Service.
- Launch of NPERA’s multi-month analytical audit into container holds to curb port congestion, demurrage accumulation, and supply chain disruptions.
- Agreement on institutional exchange of quarterly intelligence and publications to foster transparent, long-term regulatory cooperation.
4. CONCLUSION
The engagement concluded with a symbolic exchange of corporate publications. Customs Area Comptroller E.O. A. Oshoba presented the Customs Newsletter to Dr. Juliana Saka, who in turn presented the NPERA Complaint Unit Newsletter. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to regulatory transparency, protection of trade investments, and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s maritime economy.
