Customs, APM Terminals move to quell tensions as B’Odogwu platform slows cargo clearance

APM Terminals Apapa and the Nigeria Customs Service are stepping up efforts to address growing concerns over delays at Lagos Port, following disruptions linked to the rollout of the B’Odogwu unified customs platform.

Despite a rise in imports at Nigeria’s busiest port, the volume of cargo cleared from APM Terminals Apapa has slowed in recent weeks, with stakeholders blaming confusion surrounding the migration from NICIS II to the new B’Odogwu system.

Olayinka Akinlade, head of government relations at APM Terminals Apapa, said an internal review showed the slowdown was largely due to difficulties consignees and clearing agents faced using the new platform. “Our market survey revealed that the migration to B’Odogwu was the primary factor behind the slowdown,” she said during a stakeholder training session held in Lagos last Friday.

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To address these issues, APM Terminals and Customs held a joint sensitisation session for port users, while also launching a resolution-focused “B’Odogwu Clinic” to offer real-time support for shipment processing, platform navigation and documentation issues.

Aondona Fanyam, assistant comptroller of Customs, admitted there were early hiccups, including bank payment visibility and process ambiguities, but said Customs is resolving the problems.

Logistics managers from companies including GAC Motors and Raine Industries said the session helped resolve longstanding confusion and improved confidence in the system.

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The B’Odogwu platform, which aims to streamline customs processes and boost transparency, is the latest in a series of digital reforms introduced by the NCS.