PEBEC Targets 7-Day Cargo Clearance at Nigerian Ports

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is working to reduce the average cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports from 21 days to seven days. Director-General Princess Zahra Audu announced this initiative during a media briefing at the State House in Abuja.

She identified prolonged cargo clearance as a significant barrier to trade, especially compared to neighboring countries like Ghana and the Benin Republic. PEBEC has implemented joint cargo inspections and is transitioning from physical inspections to scanner-based inspections to enhance efficiency.

A committee established in April under the Office of the Vice President is coordinating efforts among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to streamline import and export processes. Additionally, the National Single Window has been introduced to unify documentation across agencies.

Audu noted that PEBEC has conducted inspections to ensure the removal of illegal checkpoints along the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors and plans to continue these efforts for the next three years.