Terminal operator partner with Customs on B’Odogwu implementation

APM Terminals Apapa has partnered with the Nigeria Customs Service to accelerate the deployment of the B’Odogwu unified customs management platform at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.

In a statement on Tuesday, the terminal operator noted that the move was part of a strategic effort to enhance trade facilitation and optimise cargo clearance processes at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

According to the statement, B’Odogwu, a next-generation replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System, was designed to modernise port operations through digital process optimisation, improved transparency, and expedited goods clearance.

“However, the migration has thrown up some challenges for stakeholders across the logistics and freight forwarding landscape,” the statement read in part.

It added that in response to customers’ feedback during this transitional phase, APM Terminals Apapa, in collaboration with the Service, hosted a comprehensive training session for consignees and clearing agents in Lagos last week.

The statement stressed that the initiative provided a platform for dialogue and learning as stakeholders navigated the intricacies of the new customs framework.

Speaking at the event, Head of Government Relations at APM Terminals Apapa, Olayinka Akinlade, explained that the training was prompted by findings from an internal review that highlighted a decline in cleared cargo volumes.

“Despite a surge in discharged imports, container movement from the terminal was not as seamless as expected. Our market survey revealed that the migration to B’Odogwu was the primary factor behind the slowdown. To address the concerns, APM Terminals partnered with NCS to conduct sensitisation and resolution-focused training aimed at equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective engagement with the new system,” Akinlade said.

Akinlade stated that the partnership was warmly welcomed by the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.

She also announced the launch of the APM Terminals, Customs B’Odogwu Clinic, a dedicated resolution hub offering real-time assistance with documentation, shipment processing, and platform navigation.

“It will ensure that problems encountered during daily operations are addressed promptly and transparently,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyam, acknowledged the initial difficulties with the system’s rollout, citing issues such as bank payment visibility and procedural ambiguities.

He reassured attendees that these obstacles were being actively addressed even as he emphasised customs’ commitment to continued engagement.

“We remain committed to ongoing training and direct interaction with stakeholders,” Fanyam stated.

Deputy Chairman of the Clearing and Forwarding Trade Group at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Ikenna Nwosu, while lauding the proactive partnership between APM Terminals and the NCS, expressed optimism about overcoming early challenges.

Godstime Ifenudo, Logistics Manager at Raine Industries Limited, reflected positively on the experience, stating, “This seminar offered vital clarity. It resolved many uncertainties we’ve faced. I truly appreciate APM Terminals for facilitating this, especially for involving Customs officials to answer our questions directly.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Uche Michael, Logistics Supervisor for GAC Motors, highlighted the transparency and responsiveness demonstrated during the training.

“The session was immensely valuable. We were able to voice our real-world concerns and understand Customs’ perspective. The dialogue was honest, and it gave us confidence that the system will improve over time,” he said.