Cocoa processors have raised concerns over operational challenges at Lagos ports, warning that persistent delays, rising logistics costs and other bottlenecks could affect the competitiveness of Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
The Chairman of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), Otunba Felix Oladunjoye, disclosed that exporters had lost between ₦10 billion and ₦12 billion over the past six months due to delays, high rental charges, detention costs and other expenses associated with export container approvals.
The concerns were raised following a deterioration in the approval process managed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has reportedly slowed the movement of export containers through Lagos ports.
According to Oladunjoye, export containers that were previously cleared for offloading within approximately two hours are now sometimes subjected to waiting periods of at least four working days, despite the completion of required documentation and payments.
The delays have reportedly increased operational costs for exporters, shipping agents and other operators involved in the export value chain.
The association also alleged that unofficial payments had been demanded from some operators to speed up approvals and secure timely access to port facilities.
Oladunjoye warned that the situation could undermine Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly in the cocoa industry, where shipment schedules and international delivery commitments are critical.
He noted that prolonged delays could result in missed shipping schedules, breaches of international supply contracts, additional demurrage charges and increased transportation expenses.
The disruption could also affect truck rotation, export terminal scheduling and the overall efficiency of cargo movement.
He further warned that rising export costs could discourage agro-commodity exports, reduce foreign exchange earnings and threaten employment across the sector.
The association disclosed that letters had already been sent to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other relevant authorities, seeking urgent intervention.
Among its demands were an investigation into the reported approval delays and alleged unofficial payments, the introduction of clear timelines for processing export containers, and greater transparency in port operations.
COPAN also called for a review of the electronic truck call-up system to ensure that compliant exporters were not unnecessarily penalised by administrative bottlenecks.
The association urged the Federal Government to engage the NPA, terminal operators, exporters and shipping agents to address the challenges and restore efficiency to Nigeria’s export logistics system.
Source: The Guardian – Cocoa processors raise alarm over operational challenges at Lagos ports.
