Nigerian exporters have expressed concerns about procedural delays at the Tin Can and Apapa ports, prolonged container transfer times and limited vessel calls, all of which continue to hinder timely cargo evacuation and have increased financial losses.

They equally raised concerns about persistent challenges at the terminals and with shipping lines. They raised these concerns at a recent stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with support from Parallex Bank.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to review operational progress, resolve challenges, and strengthen collaboration for seamless export procedures.

They, however, commended the Lilypond Export Command for simplifying and accelerating export processes in Nigeria, noting that the improvements had not only enhanced the operations of existing exporters but also encouraged new entrants and foreign investors.

Addressing their concerns, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Ajibola Odunsanya, commended the sustained cooperation of stakeholders and underscored the importance of synergy in achieving Nigeria’s trade facilitation goals.

He said issues surrounding Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) documentation that once hindered the smooth movement of export cargo have been addressed.

“We are committed to strengthening our partnership with all actors in the export chain. Our renewed engagement with stakeholders has yielded improvements in process efficiency and built mutual trust,” he stated

A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the B’Odogwu platform. The Acting Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Rauf Kassim, gave a comprehensive presentation on the platform’s features and benefits.

He encouraged exporters, agents, and terminal operators to adopt the platform for faster, more transparent, and efficient documentation.