A reported cyber attack on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disrupted cargo clearance operations at ports nationwide, leaving importers and licensed agents grappling with mounting demurrage charges.
Confirming the incident, Customs spokesman and Assistant Comptroller, Mr. Maiwada Abdullahi, disclosed that the attack occurred recently but assured that the system has since been restored.
“Yes, our platform was attacked some time ago, but it has been rectified and is now fully operational. We have strengthened our systems to ensure that cybercriminals will find it much more difficult to penetrate in the future,” Abdullahi said.
He added that discussions are ongoing with stakeholders regarding possible compensation or relief measures for importers affected by the downtime.
However, industry stakeholders remain critical of the Customs’ B’Odogwu ICT platform, which was introduced as a homegrown replacement for previous systems.
Mr. Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), argued that the platform is defective and requires urgent overhaul.
“The same problems we had under West Blue before Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala intervened as Finance Minister are resurfacing under the B’Odogwu system,” Amiwero said. “This glitch has led to huge demurrage, excessive storage charges, distortions in business plans, and high clearance costs.”
He also criticised major business advocacy groups such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) for failing to take a firm stand on the issue.
“All they do is hold conferences while the port industry suffers. These groups ought to lead protests against these anomalies but have chosen to remain silent,” he said.
Importers have also voiced frustration. Mr. Olawale Odu, a licensed agent, urged the NCS to engage terminal operators and shipping companies to grant waivers that could offset the losses incurred during the disruption.
The cyber incident comes at a sensitive time, as the NCS works to modernise operations and strengthen digital platforms. But with trade stakeholders questioning the reliability of the new clearance system, the attack has reignited debate over Nigeria’s preparedness for a fully digital customs process.
Read Also: Importers, Fleet Brokers Protest Customs Fee Hike Amid Economic Strain
Below is how we can help you promote your event, organization and products/services . This is the best you can get from this global platform of over decades experience.
PACKAGE:
First Leg: Full page Promotional package showcasing your Invitation Card, Banner/Flex, 3 different Photographs and brief of the coming event. Also your picture/Name will be the headline News in digivation blog(Pre-Event)
Second Leg: Full Page Promotional package of the event showcasing 5 different photographs plus short audio/visual clip of the event. Also org. picture/Name will be the headline news our blog(Post-Event).
Rate: N150,000 Only For Both Pre and Post Events. (Rate is only Applicable during the Promotional Period)
For further inquiries, contact the undersigned:
Hilary Damissah (Editor)
Mojisola Alabi ( business Development)
Email: digivationtv@gmail.com
Chief Imo Ukwa(Advert Consultant) 08063779938
