Customs Agents Decry Frequent System Failures Disrupting Port Operations

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has raised concerns over persistent system failures affecting the newly launched B’Odogwu unified digital customs management platform operated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), saying the frequent downtime is crippling port activities.

According to the association, the platform—introduced to streamline customs processes—has instead led to costly delays in cargo clearance across Nigerian ports.

Speaking with Vanguard, ANLCA Vice President, Segun Oduntan, acknowledged the system glitches but noted that improvements are underway. He expressed hope that the platform would soon be stable enough to handle the seasonal spike in import traffic characteristic of the year-end months.

“I agree there were glitches, but there has been some improvement, and we hope this will be sustained over time,” Oduntan said.

However, former ANLCA Vice President and prominent freight forwarder, Kayode Farinto, described the repeated system failures as a major disruption to port operations, warning that the economy is losing billions of naira as a result.

Farinto noted that the “Ember” months typically attract heightened import activities, making it crucial for digital infrastructure and logistics systems to operate efficiently. He argued that current infrastructure and contingency measures are far from adequate.

“B’Odogwu was introduced as a digital solution aimed at modernising and streamlining customs processes. It was expected to replace outdated manual systems and reduce long cargo dwell times at the ports,” he said.

“Unfortunately, continuous network outages and system instability have turned the platform into a source of concern.”

Farinto added that the failures are resulting in mounting demurrage and storage charges from shipping lines and terminal operators, as importers are unable to clear their cargo due to system downtime. He warned that perishable goods, both imports and exports, are at risk of spoilage as containers remain stranded.

He further noted that the disruptions are already affecting supply chains, delaying access to raw materials and finished goods, with the potential to trigger factory shutdowns, job losses, and rising consumer prices.

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