

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced the release and evacuation of 98 out of 300 containers containing critical power equipment trapped at Nigerian ports for up to 20 years.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the clearance on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a flag-off exercise in Apapa alongside Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe.
The trapped consignments comprise high-capacity transformers, transmission cables, switchgears, and substations equipment imported by the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate release of the equipment following a presentation at the Federal Executive Council. The directive instructed relevant agencies to resolve outstanding storage charges, administrative bottlenecks, and demurrage fees without delay.
“In line with that presidential directive, this service has commenced the immediate clearance of more than 200 containers of power equipment,” Adeniyi said.
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“Today, I am here with the Honourable Minister of Power to flag off the release of the first 48 containers from ENL Terminal. Another 50 containers at other terminals in Tincan and other ports will also be released.”
He commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, for approving waivers on accrued charges to facilitate the release.
Adeniyi warned contractors who abandon government-funded imports at the ports that their actions amount to economic sabotage, adding that Customs will audit all uncleared public sector imports across national borders.
Technical teams will inspect the evacuated equipment, deploying serviceable units to ongoing transmission projects while disposing of obsolete items according to statutory regulations.

