Nigeria Customs Service Clears 300 Power Equipment Containers

The Nigeria Customs Service has initiated the clearance of more than 300 containers of electricity equipment that have been stranded at Nigerian ports for 14 to 20 years. This action follows a directive from the Federal Ministry of Finance, which instructed the Customs Service to expedite the release of the equipment deemed critical for Nigeria's electricity transmission infrastructure.

Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed receipt of a letter signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, directing the fast-tracking of the equipment's release. This decision was also influenced by President Bola Tinubu's order for immediate clearance after the issue was raised by Minister of Power, Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, during a Federal Executive Council meeting.

The containers contain high-capacity transformers, cables, and other equipment imported for various electricity projects, including the National Integrated Power Project. Tegbe noted that the prolonged detention was due to unpaid port charges and poor coordination among government agencies.