Nigerian Ports Face Cargo Congestion with Over 5,000 Containers Trapped, Leading to N2 Trillion in Demurrage Losses

Massive Cargo Backlog at Nigerian Ports Disrupts Supply Chains

In recent weeks, Nigeria’s seaports have witnessed a major slowdown in cargo clearance, leaving more than 5,000 containers stuck and causing importers to face staggering demurrage charges estimated at around N2 trillion. This disruption has brought import and export activities at major ports including Apapa, Tin Can Island, PTML in Lagos, and Onne Port in Rivers State to an almost complete halt.

Network Glitches Paralyze Customs Operations

The root cause of this crisis lies in persistent technical failures of the Nigeria Customs Service’s digital platform, known as B’Odogwu. These network issues have stalled vital clearing procedures such as payment processing, cargo exits, and issuance of trade documentation. Such bottlenecks have crippled routine operations like Form M registration, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) generation, and duty payments — processes that would typically take a day but are now dragging on for weeks.

Manufacturers and importers have been caught in the crossfire, experiencing elongated delays and soaring costs that threaten the stability of their supply chains. Consequently, key manufacturing sectors reliant on just-in-time delivery of raw materials are at risk of production slowdowns or even shutdowns if these port inefficiencies persist.

Demurrage Costs Escalate Rapidly

These charges surge significantly after an initial grace period, compounding the financial burden for businesses already struggling with delays. For example, a single stakeholder reported managing 10 containers stuck over several weeks, incurring daily demurrage costs upwards of N1.2 million — a heartbreaker for any logistics budget.

Impact on Ports and the Broader Economy

The inactivity at Onne Port has essentially turned it into a ghost town, with zero recorded operations in the past fortnight. Lagos ports, which usually handle heavy cargo flows, now have trapped containers that continue to pile up, further squeezing limited warehouse and terminal capacities. This logistic gridlock ripples through the entire supply chain, affecting freight, forwarding agents, transporters, and industries depending on imported goods.

Economic experts warn that delays at ports lead to increased costs, contract cancellations, and may even trigger inflationary pressures as importers pass on demurrage and clearance expenses to consumers. Combined with the reintroduction of a four percent free on board (FOB) charge, the effective cost of clearing goods has surged roughly 200 percent in some cases.

Stakeholder Demands and Government Response

Industry groups and logistics professionals have called for urgent measures including demurrage waivers to mitigate losses. They argue that since the delays are due to systemic failures beyond the control of importers and manufacturers, terminal operators and customs authorities should offer concessions during this downtime.

Some stakeholders point to practices in other countries like South Africa, where demurrage increments are suspended during tech breakdowns, ensuring fairness to port users. The call is also for maintaining legacy systems alongside the B’Odogwu platform until full digital reliability is guaranteed.

Customs Leadership Addresses the Crisis

Customs officials acknowledge the problems, attributing part of the downtime to attempts by hackers to breach the system. They maintain that efforts are underway, and some technical glitches have been resolved through collaborative interventions. According to Nigerian Customs representatives, the platform is now operating more effectively and complaints about network speed issues have largely been addressed.

What This Means for Logistics and Supply Chain Networks

The current port congestion and digital system failures highlight the fragility of supply chains in the face of technology risks and infrastructure bottlenecks. Effective logistics rely on seamless coordination between customs, terminals, freight forwarders, and transporters to ensure timely shipment and delivery. Interruptions like those experienced impede freight flow, increase inventory costs, and elevate risks of supply shortages.

For businesses and logistics planners, this situation underscores the importance of flexible freight management strategies, diversification of shipping modes, and partnerships with reliable providers who can navigate locally complex environments. It’s a clear reminder that in the interconnected world of global shipping, even small interruptions can trigger cascading effects from port terminals all the way through to store shelves.

The Role of Platforms Like GetTransport.com

Here, solutions like GetTransport.com stand out by offering affordable, reliable global cargo transportation tailored to diverse needs — whether it’s shipping large containers, vehicles, bulky freight, or facilitating house moves and office relocations. The platform’s ease of use and broad network empower businesses to manage their shipments more flexibly, reducing exposure to delays and extra charges.

Balancing Reviews with Experience: Making Smart Logistics Decisions

While expert feedback and trade reports provide valuable perspectives on current port challenges, nothing quite matches personal experience in navigating complex logistics landscapes. On GetTransport.com, shippers have access to transparent pricing, global carrier choices, and convenient booking processes, allowing them to secure competitive rates and dependable freight services without added headaches.

Such platforms transform the headache of stalled shipments into manageable logistics operations by simplifying shipment booking, tracking, and delivery arrangements — a crucial edge when ports are stretched thin. This level of transparency and user empowerment ensures that businesses can continue moving their cargo efficiently and affordably, even amid systemic disruptions. Buchen Sie Ihre Fahrt bei GetTransport.com.

Forecast and Final Thoughts

Although this port congestion crisis may primarily impact Nigerian trade corridors at this time, it offers a telling snapshot of how critical digital infrastructure and operational resilience are to contemporary global logistics. Slowdowns at hubs like Apapa and Onne inevitably complicate freight flow, create bottlenecks for international supply chains, and inflate shipping costs.

For a logistics-focused platform like GetTransport.com, staying current on such challenges ensures the ability to offer shippers alternatives, helping mitigate risks related to port inefficiencies while maintaining cost-effectiveness. As disruptions like these surface, savvy businesses and freight forwarders will benefit from leveraging versatile transport options and dependable service providers.

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Zusammenfassung

The recent digital failures at Nigeria’s major seaports have caused a massive backlog of over 5,000 containers, piling up demurrage expenses nearing N2 trillion. This disruption has halted payment processing, cargo clearance, and documentation, affecting manufacturers and importers alike. Skyrocketing demurrage fees and stalled cargo movement hint at broader economic consequences, including production slowdowns and inflationary pressures.

Stakeholders are pressing for digital platform fixes, demurrage concessions, and interim backup systems to alleviate the crisis. While Customs officials have tackled some network issues, significant challenges remain, underscoring the pressing need for robust infrastructure and operational readiness in port logistics.

For businesses navigating these choppy waters, platforms like GetTransport.com provide a lifeline—offering accessible, transparent, and global freight solutions across container, vehicle, and bulky item transport needs. This combination of affordability, reliability, and flexibility helps shippers smooth out disruptions and keep their supply chains moving forward efficiently.