Apapa customs, stakeholders seek end to cargo delays, push for full digital scanning, compliance reform
Stakeholders at the Apapa Port have called for urgent reforms to address persistent cargo delays, improve operational efficiency and fully implement digital scanning, amid concerns over policy inconsistencies and weak
Stakeholders at the Apapa Port have called for urgent reforms to address persistent cargo delays, improve operational efficiency and fully implement digital scanning, amid concerns over policy inconsistencies and weak collaboration among key players in the port system.
The call was made during a high-level stakeholder engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Apapa Area Command, where industry operators, customs officials and port users highlighted systemic bottlenecks undermining trade facilitation at the nation’s premier port.
Executive Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emeka Chukwumalu, decried what he described as a widening disconnect between Customs and licensed clearing agents, warning that the situation could erode efficiency if not urgently addressed.
“As you know, Apapa is a global port. What is happening now shows a serious lack of improvement at both operational and psychological levels. Customs is operating on one side, while clearing agents are on another. There is a gap, and that gap must be closed. We need stronger collaboration and continuous engagement to ensure all players in the port system work in alignment.
“We need to retain and properly engage our members so that we can all be on the same page. Without that synergy, the system cannot function optimally,” he added.
On the transition to a technology-driven system, he noted that although scanning machines are functional, their full benefits are yet to be realised due to inadequate integration and insufficient preparedness among operators.
“The scanners are working, but we must prepare our members for the next phase, especially with the planned phase-out of physical examination. Training is critical to ensure seamless cargo movement once declarations are made,” he stated.
He explained that ANLCA has already intensified training programmes for its members but emphasised the need for broader stakeholder alignment to avoid operational setbacks.
Chukwumalu also expressed concern over conflicting directives from regulatory agencies, citing discrepancies between agencies as a major source of delay.
“You find situations where one agency is saying one thing and another is saying something different. These inconsistencies disrupt the flow of business and create confusion for operators,” he stated.
He warned that Apapa Port is gradually losing its competitive edge as cargo volumes shift to rival facilities, particularly Tin Can Island Port, due to inefficiencies.
“If you go to Tin Can now, you will see increased activity, while Apapa is experiencing a drop. We must work hard to reverse that trend and restore confidence,” he said.
Corroborating these concerns, a veteran importer and Chief Executive Officer of Asikabbili Investment Limited, Gabriel Obi, lamented persistent delays and multiple alerts despite compliance with scanning protocols.
According to him, a recent consignment cleared through scanning with no irregularities was subjected to repeated documentation checks and additional alerts, delaying delivery and increasing logistics costs.
“The scanning showed a clean image, yet I was asked to go through further processes. After everything, another alert was raised at the terminal. These bottlenecks are unnecessary and costly,” he said, noting that transport costs for his cargo rose from about N300,000 to N800,000 due to delays.
Obi attributed the situation to systemic inefficiencies and practices that encourage unofficial charges, calling for a streamlined and centralised alert system.
“If scanning shows no issue, that should be final. There should not be room for multiple alerts from different units,” he said.
Similarly, Senior Special Adviser to the ANLCA President, Pius Ujubuonu, raised concerns over corruption and multiple checkpoints along port access roads, describing them as major obstacles to efficient cargo movement.
He noted that despite the introduction of the National Single Window system and electronic tracking, unlawful interceptions by various security agencies continue to undermine progress.
“After cargo exits the port, trucks still face stops by different agencies. Most of these are about unofficial payments and they disrupt the system,” he said.
Ujubuonu argued that such practices defeat the purpose of digital reforms and called for stricter coordination among agencies to eliminate overlapping functions.
Responding, the Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu Oshoba, acknowledged the challenges and emphasised the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement.
He described Apapa Port as critical to Nigeria’s economy and stressed that operational efficiency is key to trade facilitation, revenue generation and national growth.
“This forum is to address operational challenges, identify grey areas and develop practical solutions. Collaboration remains essential,” he said.
Oshoba urged stakeholders to ensure accurate declarations, noting that non-compliance contributes significantly to delays and increased scrutiny under the risk management system.
“The level of compliance determines how cargo is treated. If compliance is high, processes are faster. If not, the system flags such consignments for further checks,” he explained.
He added that reforms such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and advanced scanning systems are designed to reduce human interference and align Nigeria’s port operations with global best practices.
The Customs boss also assured that concerns raised during the meeting, including issues with terminal operators, valuation disputes and personnel conduct, would be addressed.
Stakeholders, however, insisted that beyond policy reforms, effective implementation, transparency and accountability remain crucial to restoring confidence in Apapa Port.
They maintained that with improved collaboration, consistent policies and full adoption of digital systems, the port could regain its status as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
