APM Terminals Apapa has joined forces with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to fast-track the rollout of the new B’Odogwu unified customs management platform at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, Nigeria’s busiest seaport. The partnership is aimed at improving trade facilitation and reducing delays in cargo clearance through the adoption of digital systems.
In a statement released on Tuesday, APM Terminals said the collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernise port operations and streamline customs processes. The B’Odogwu platform is being introduced as a next-generation replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS). It is designed to simplify import and export procedures, enhance transparency, and speed up cargo clearance.
However, since the rollout began, some stakeholders in the logistics and freight forwarding industry have experienced challenges adapting to the new digital system. According to the terminal operator, these issues have affected cargo movement, even though import activities have increased.
To address these concerns, APM Terminals and the Nigeria Customs Service recently organised a training session for clearing agents and consignees in Lagos. The session provided practical guidance on how to navigate the B’Odogwu platform and gave stakeholders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to Customs officials.
Speaking at the training, the Head of Government Relations at APM Terminals Apapa, Mrs Olayinka Akinlade, said the initiative followed an internal assessment that revealed a gap between the volume of cargo being discharged and the rate of cargo evacuation from the terminal.
“We noticed that despite an increase in import volumes, the rate at which containers were leaving the terminal had slowed down. Our investigation showed that the migration to the B’Odogwu system was the main cause. That’s why we decided to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to organise this training session,” she said.
Mrs Akinlade also announced the launch of the APM Terminals–Customs B’Odogwu Clinic, a new support centre at the Apapa Port. The clinic is expected to serve as a real-time help desk for resolving issues related to documentation, cargo processing, and navigation of the B’Odogwu system.
“This clinic will ensure that operational challenges are dealt with promptly and transparently,” Akinlade added.
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, welcomed the partnership and expressed support for the training and resolution efforts. His support was echoed by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr Aondona Fanyam, who was also present at the event.
Fanyam acknowledged the early challenges with the B’Odogwu platform, including delays in payment confirmations from banks and unclear operational procedures. He assured participants that Customs is actively working to resolve the issues and is committed to continued engagement and capacity building for all stakeholders.
“We know the rollout hasn’t been perfect, but we are listening and responding,” he said. “We will continue to provide training and interact directly with those affected by the transition.”
Representing the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Ikenna Nwosu, Deputy Chairman of the Clearing and Forwarding Trade Group, described the collaboration between APM Terminals and NCS as a step in the right direction. He expressed confidence that early challenges will be resolved through cooperation.
Godstime Ifenudo, Logistics Manager at Raine Industries Limited, said the training helped address many uncertainties. “This session gave us clarity and confidence. It was especially helpful to have Customs officers present to answer our questions directly,” he said.
Uche Michael, Logistics Supervisor for GAC Motors, also praised the training session for its transparency and responsiveness. “We shared our challenges, and Customs responded. It was an honest dialogue that gave us hope that things will improve with time,” he added.
The B’Odogwu platform is expected to play a key role in boosting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and aligning the country’s port operations with global standards. As the rollout continues, stakeholders are hopeful that increased collaboration and continuous training will help smoothen the transition and improve port efficiency.
