In a renewed push to reform Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to fully automate port operations in order to reduce cargo clearance delays, eliminate manual bottlenecks, and restore investor confidence in the country’s logistics chain.
Speaking in Lagos, the President of LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, described the state of Nigerian ports—particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island—as a significant drawback to economic growth. He noted that the average cargo dwell time at Apapa Port now stands at 26 days, in stark contrast to 5–7 days at ports in Ghana, Togo, and South Africa.
“Persistent manual processes, inadequate cargo scanners, and overreliance on human interface continue to slow down cargo clearance, escalate logistics costs, and discourage international trade,” Idahosa said.
The Chamber urged the Federal Government to implement the long-delayed National Single Window (NSW) initiative—an integrated digital platform that would harmonize documentation and automate clearance across all regulatory agencies at ports.
According to Idahosa, the full rollout of the NSW and deployment of mobile scanning technology at all major seaports would not only curb corruption but would also significantly shorten the clearance window to international standards.
“Global shipping lines are bypassing Nigerian ports. Some now prefer Lomé Port in Togo, where clearance is faster, cheaper, and more predictable,” he added.
LCCI also condemned the 15% increase in port tariffs by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), describing it as “ill-timed” amid economic headwinds, rising inflation, and volatile exchange rates.
“While infrastructure upgrade is necessary, operators are already battling multiple levies, forex challenges, and inflationary pressures,” Idahosa noted. “Adding new costs only worsens the burden.”
The Chamber expressed concern over frequent and discretionary Customs queries that stall the cargo clearance process. This, Idahosa argued, has become a channel for unofficial practices and erodes business trust in Nigeria’s port system.
Positive Developments: Rail Expansion and Lower Freight Rates
Despite the systemic challenges, LCCI acknowledged some progress. It noted a 60% drop in freight costs in recent months, with Apapa-to-Ikeja truck haulage reducing from ₦1 million to about ₦400,000.
The Chamber also praised the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for expanding its freight rail network from Lagos to Ibadan and beyond, calling it a “positive structural shift” from the congested road system.
“Rail cargo haulage is gaining traction. It reduces costs, decongests roads, and improves turnaround time for importers,” he said.
Supporting LCCI’s call, the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) stressed that deploying the National Single Window could cut cargo clearance from weeks to as little as three hours.
“The single window will boost revenue generation and ensure quicker turnover for importers and exporters,” said IMAN President Kingsley Chikezie. “It’s time to make it happen.”
Chikezie emphasized that port automation is not just a private-sector plea—it is a national economic necessity to boost government revenue, accelerate trade, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The LCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and other agencies to implement key reforms. It also urged the Federal Government to set performance benchmarks for port efficiency, reduce bureaucratic overlap, and promote transparency.
“If we fail to modernize our ports now, Nigeria risks further marginalization in the global logistics ecosystem,” Idahosa concluded. “The time for bold reform is now.”