The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents has expressed deep regret regarding the performance of the B’odogwu unified digital customs management system, stating that the platform is suffering from frequent downtime.

Initiated and operated by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the digital system was intended to streamline operations, but agents claim it has instead caused significant financial losses due to severe delays in processing cargo clearance at the nation’s ports.

Speaking to Vanguard regarding this development, the Vice President of the association, Mr. Segun Oduntan, acknowledged that the B’odogwu system has indeed experienced technical glitches, though he noted that efforts to improve the situation are currently ongoing.

Oduntan further explained that the trade platform is expected to function effectively enough to accommodate the usual surge in import volumes associated with this time of the year.

He stated: “I agree there were glitches but there has been some improvement and we hope this will be sustained over time.”

Also commenting on the situation, a former Vice President of the ANLCA, Mr. Kayode Farinto, emphasized that these repeated system failures have severely disrupted port operations, resulting in billions of naira in losses to the economy.

Farinto, a leading Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker, noted that the current season, known as the “Ember” months, typically witnesses a surge in import activity and added that such predictable seasonal increases require robust systems and logistics.

He, however, lamented that the current infrastructure and contingency planning remain vastly inadequate to handle the volume.

He stated: “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 It was expected to replace outdated manual systems and reduce long cargo dwell times at the ports.”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 continued: “Unfortunately, continuous network outages and system instability have turned the platform into a source of concern.”

Highlighting the economic impact, he stated: “The current development has led to serious financial losses to importers, crippling demurrage and storage charges slammed by shipping lines and terminal operators for cargo they could clear due to system failures.”

He further warned of the impact on food security, stating: “Containers holding perishable imports and exports are also at risk as they are left stranded, leading to spoilage, waste, and increased pressure on food availability and prices.”

Concluding his assessment of the broader economic implications, he stated: “The supply chain disruption is inevitable as timely access to raw materials and finished goods have been compromised, causing production delays, potential factory shutdowns, job losses, and higher consumer prices.”