Nigeria’s busiest seaport corridor is under renewed pressure to modernise as customs authorities and private sector stakeholders intensify calls for full cargo scanning and stricter compliance to tackle chronic delays at Apapa.
Officials at the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), alongside freight forwarders, terminal operators and importers, say the persistence of manual cargo inspection remains a key bottleneck. The process often involving physical examination of containers, extends clearance timelines, raises costs and creates opportunities for inefficiencies.
Stakeholders argue that transitioning fully to non-intrusive inspection systems, notably high-capacity cargo scanners, would significantly shorten turnaround times. Cargo scanning uses imaging technology to inspect goods without opening containers, enabling faster clearance while maintaining security oversight.
“Digitisation is no longer optional; it is central to trade competitiveness,” a senior customs official said, noting that partial deployment of scanning systems has yet to deliver optimal results due to inconsistent usage and operational gaps.
Apapa port, which handles a substantial share of Nigeria’s import traffic, has long struggled with congestion. Delays at the port ripple through supply chains, increasing demurrage charges fees paid for extended use of containers and ultimately feeding into higher consumer prices. For import dependent sectors, these inefficiencies translate into elevated operating costs and reduced margins.
Industry groups are also pressing for stricter adherence to compliance protocols among importers and clearing agents. Non-compliant declarations, under-invoicing and documentation errors frequently trigger additional inspections, compounding delays.
“Compliance is as critical as infrastructure,” said a representative of a freight forwarding association. “Even the best scanning systems will fail to deliver efficiency gains if documentation standards remain weak.
”Beyond operational reforms, analysts view the push for digitisation as part of a broader effort to align Nigeria’s trade processes with global best practices. Many leading ports have adopted end-to-end digital systems, integrating customs, terminal operations and logistics platforms to enable real-time cargo tracking and risk assessment.
For policymakers, the stakes are high. Improving port efficiency is seen as essential to boosting non-oil exports, enhancing revenue collection and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional trade under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
However, execution remains the critical challenge. Past reform efforts have been hindered by funding constraints, technical issues and resistance to change within the ecosystem. Ensuring reliable power supply, maintaining scanning equipment and training personnel are all necessary to sustain the transition.
Market participants say the current momentum must translate into measurable outcomes. Faster cargo clearance would not only ease congestion at Apapa but also improve investor confidence and lower the cost of doing business in Africa’s largest economy.
As pressure mounts, the success of the proposed reforms will depend on coordinated action between government agencies and the private sector, alongside a sustained commitment to transparency and accountability.
