The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s port operations, warning that the country risks further economic isolation as global shipping lines increasingly favour more efficient ports in neighbouring countries.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Lagos, LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa described Nigeria’s port inefficiencies as a major threat to national competitiveness, citing 26-day average cargo dwell times at Apapa Port five times higher than the five-to-seven-day average at ports in Ghana and South Africa.

“These inefficiencies stem from persistent manual processes at Customs, bottlenecks in cargo examination, and a heavy human interface that creates stumbling blocks to cargo clearance,” Idahosa said.

He emphasized the need for full automation of cargo clearance, swift implementation of the long-delayed National Single Window (NSW) Project, and the redeployment of mobile and digital scanners at all major ports.

Nigeria Losing Strategic Cargo Routes

The LCCI also raised alarm over reports that the U.S. Coast Guard and Russian exporters are redirecting shipments to Togo’s Lomé Port due to high costs, poor clearance efficiency, and bureaucratic delays in Nigeria.

“This trend reinforces growing concerns among operators. Nigeria must act swiftly to reverse this reputational damage and restore confidence in its maritime sector,” Idahosa warned.

Tariff Hike ‘Ill-Timed and Insensitive’

The Chamber also condemned the 15% increase in port tariffs announced by the Nigerian Ports Authority, describing it as “ill-timed” and out of touch with current economic realities.

“Operators are already under intense pressure from inflation, exchange rate volatility, and logistics delays. This tariff hike adds salt to injury,” Idahosa noted.

He also criticized excessive Customs queries on imported goods, calling for streamlined procedures to reduce clearance delays and curb opportunities for extortion.

Some Bright Spots

Despite the challenges, LCCI acknowledged recent improvements in the port logistics ecosystem. Notably, transportation costs from Apapa to Ikeja have reportedly fallen by up to 60% in recent weeks.

“Just months ago, moving goods from Apapa to Ikeja could cost up to ₦1 million. Today, those costs have come down significantly. This is a welcome relief for businesses,” Idahosa said.

He also commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for expanding rail cargo services from Apapa to Lagos and Ibadan, calling it a “promising shift” that could reduce road congestion and lower logistics costs.

Stakeholders Push for 3-Hour Clearance with National Single Window

Joining the call for reform, the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) backed the NSW project, saying it could shrink cargo clearance time from weeks or months to as little as three hours.

“Once you enter the National Single Window, it will boost turnover and reduce delays. Quick delivery means more revenue for the government and higher productivity for traders,” IMAN President Kingsley Chikezie stated.

Chikezie urged swift onboarding of traders onto the platform, describing it as a potential game-changer for the import-export value chain.

“The Time to Act Is Now”

Idahosa reiterated LCCI’s readiness to work with the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and other relevant stakeholders to drive long-overdue reforms.

“We cannot afford to fall further behind. The time to act is now. Without bold and urgent reforms, Nigeria risks further exclusion from global trade networks,” he concluded.

As pressures mount on authorities to revive investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector, all eyes are now on the implementation of the National Single Window and other modernization initiatives long promised but yet to materialize.