LAGOS, Nigeria – Cocoa processors and exporters say delays in obtaining approval to offload export containers at Lagos ports have cost the sector between ₦10 billion and ₦12 billion over the past six months, raising concerns about the impact on Nigeria’s agro-commodity exports.
The Chairman of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), Otunba Felix Oladunjoye, disclosed the estimated losses at a press conference in Lagos, where he described difficulties exporters face in securing approval from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Oladunjoye said a process that previously took about two hours after the required documentation and payments had been completed now takes considerably longer, with some trucks reportedly waiting for at least four working days. He attributed the losses to additional expenses, including container rentals, transaction charges and other operational costs incurred while exporters wait for clearance.
The association warned that prolonged delays could cause exporters to miss shipping schedules, breach supply contracts and incur further haulage and storage expenses. COPAN also alleged that some operators faced demands for unofficial payments to facilitate approvals, raising concerns about transparency and the consistency of the process.
The association said the delays could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in the international agro-commodity market, particularly if exporters struggle to meet delivery timelines and contractual obligations. COPAN disclosed that it had written to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, asking him to investigate the complaints and intervene.
Among its recommendations, the association called for standardised approval procedures, clearly defined processing timelines and a review of the Electronic Truck Call-up (ETO) and manifest processes. It also urged the authorities to investigate alleged misconduct and impose sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
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