The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has raised concerns over persistent downtime of the newly commissioned B’odogwu unified digital customs management system, operated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), warning that it is causing significant delays and financial losses in port operations.

Speaking to Vanguard, ANLCA Vice President, Mr. Segun Oduntan, acknowledged occasional glitches in the platform but noted ongoing improvements. He added that the system is expected to handle the usual surge in import volumes during the year-end “Ember” months.

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

Former ANLCA Vice President, Mr. Kayode Farinto, highlighted that repeated system failures have severely disrupted port activities, resulting in billions of naira in losses. Farinto, a leading freight forwarder and customs broker, stressed that the seasonal surge in imports demands robust systems and logistics, which are currently inadequate.

He explained that B’odogwu, intended to modernise and streamline customs processes, has faced continuous network outages and system instability, undermining its goals.

“The current challenges have caused financial losses to importers, including crippling demurrage and storage charges imposed by shipping lines and terminal operators. Perishable imports and exports are at risk, leading to spoilage, waste, and potential shortages,” Farinto said.

He added that supply chain disruptions are inevitable, with delayed access to raw materials and finished goods threatening production schedules, potential factory shutdowns, job losses, and higher consumer prices.