Nigerian exporters are raising urgent alarms over ongoing procedural delays, prolonged container transfer times, and limited vessel calls at Lagos’ two busiest seaports — Tin Can Island and Apapa. These challenges continue to disrupt timely cargo evacuation, leading to mounting financial losses and threatening Nigeria’s export competitiveness in the global market.
The Nigerian exporters concerns were highlighted at a recent high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with critical support from Parallex Bank. The gathering drew key players from both the public and private sectors, including exporters, shipping agents, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies, aiming to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and strengthen cooperation toward more efficient export operations.
Exporters lamented persistent inefficiencies such as long waiting times for container clearance, erratic vessel schedules, and cumbersome documentation processes. They underscored that these issues inflate operational costs, delay delivery timelines, and negatively impact their reputation in international markets.
“The delays at the ports are strangling our businesses. Our cargo sits longer than necessary, which means more demurrage charges and lost business opportunities. This is not sustainable,” stated one exporter who preferred anonymity.
Despite these challenges, exporters applauded recent efforts by the Lilypond Export Command to simplify and expedite export procedures, noting that these reforms have improved operational fluidity and encouraged increased participation from new exporters and foreign investors.
Responding to concerns, Ajibola Odunsanya, the Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, acknowledged the issues but emphasized the progress made through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders. He highlighted that key problems, such as Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) documentation, which once delayed cargo movement, have now been largely resolved.
“We appreciate the sustained cooperation from all actors in the export chain. It is through this synergy that we have achieved measurable improvements in process efficiency and mutual trust,” Odunsanya remarked.
He reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing trade facilitation in line with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification goals.
A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the new digital B’Odogwu platform, presented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Rauf Kassim, Acting Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue. The platform is designed to streamline export documentation, improve transparency, and accelerate clearance times by integrating stakeholders into a centralized digital system.
Kassim urged exporters, shipping agents, and terminal operators to adopt the B’Odogwu platform, promising it will “significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance operational efficiency.”
This digital initiative aligns with Nigeria Customs Service’s broader digital transformation agenda and is expected to complement physical infrastructural upgrades being undertaken at the Lagos ports.
While improvements are evident, exporters stress that continuous efforts are needed to address infrastructural constraints, port congestion, and shipping line inefficiencies that still hamper seamless cargo evacuation.
Port congestion has been an enduring challenge at Apapa and Tin Can ports, exacerbated by inadequate road infrastructure, inconsistent vessel scheduling, and periodic industrial actions. These factors compound delays, raise costs, and reduce Nigeria’s attractiveness as a trading hub.
Stakeholders at the meeting called for enhanced coordination among port authorities, shipping lines, customs, and other regulatory bodies to ensure synchronized operations, improve turnaround times, and reduce financial losses for exporters.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently sought approval for a $700 million loan aimed at rehabilitating Lagos ports, signaling government commitment to infrastructure modernization that could alleviate current bottlenecks.
The exporters’ meeting underscored the delicate balance Nigeria must strike between regulatory control and trade facilitation to nurture export growth. While challenges remain at Lagos ports, the collaborative spirit between Customs and the private sector, coupled with innovations like the B’Odogwu platform, present a positive trajectory toward more efficient export operations.
For Nigeria to fully harness its export potential, continuous dialogue, infrastructure investment, and digital modernization are critical. The gains made so far offer hope but also demand sustained attention to protect the nation’s position in the competitive global trade landscape