Customs is hit by a cyberattack that interferes with container clearance.

A recent cyber attack on the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Information Communication Technology (ICT) platform has severely disrupted cargo clearance activities at ports throughout the nation.

Because of this situation, licensed customs agents are now facing significant losses from demurrage fees tied to their shipments.

NCS spokesman and Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Maiwada Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to Vanguard, explaining that the attack occurred some time ago but that the system has since been restored.

He remarked, “Our platform did experience a cyber attack, but it has been fixed and is fully operational again. We have improved our defenses to make it harder for cybercriminals to breach our system in the future.”

As for potential compensation, Abdullahi noted that discussions are taking place with various stakeholders, hinting at possible assistance for importers affected by delays during the outage.

In response to the situation, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), criticized the new B’Odogwu ICT platform promoted by Customs, claiming it has issues that need attention.

Amiwero pointed out that similar problems had also occurred before the introduction of the B’Odogwu initiative. He also expressed his disappointment with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) for their lack of proactive response to the challenges at the ports.

He declared, “The government must revamp the newly launched B’Odogwu ICT platform, as it contains flaws that require fixing.”

The issues that were present in the West Blue region before Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala intervened as Finance Minister continue to plague the B’Odogwu system today.

These problems have led to substantial costs, such as high demurrage and storage fees, impact on business plans, and increased clearance expenses.

Organizations like the Manufacturers Association, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) seem inactive. They haven't taken action or addressed the situation; their only response has been to hold conferences.

These organizations should lead the charge in protesting the issues affecting the port industry, yet they remain silent as if everything is fine.

In addition, Mr. Olawale Odu, a licensed Customs agent and importer, suggested that the Nigeria Customs Service should work with terminal operators and shipping companies to provide waivers that would help lessen the financial burdens on importers.