Importers push for quicker debit-note processing at Nigerian ports

Businesses involved in Nigerian imports are pressing for changes to the way debit notes are processed at the ports, with calls for additional payment requirements to be completed within hours rather than stretching across several days. Festus Mbisiogu, Chairman of Blue Diamond Logistics China, raised the issue in Lagos during activities marking the company's 20th anniversary, while other importers at the event also supported faster processing.

Mbisiogu said an importer who has already been assessed and instructed to make an additional payment should not have to wait another two or three days before the transaction is completed. He proposed a turnaround of roughly one to two hours after the assessment stage. His concern centres on the effect administrative delays can have after an importer has otherwise fulfilled the financial and regulatory steps required for cargo release.

A debit note in port operations is issued when an importer or clearing agent has to pay an additional amount before goods can be released. Such an adjustment can follow a reassessment of charges or a correction to an earlier calculation. Mbisiogu argued that delays at this stage can prolong cargo clearance and expose businesses to extra expenses, including storage and demurrage charges.

At the same time, he acknowledged improvements associated with digital changes introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service. According to Mbisiogu, online tools have given importers better visibility of their consignments and made it easier to monitor parts of the cargo movement and release process. He said some consignments that previously took about a week to clear can now be processed within two to three days.

Mbisiogu nevertheless maintained that remaining bottlenecks should be addressed if the benefits of Customs' digital reforms are to be fully realised. He also expressed support for recent compliance measures involving bonded terminals, saying stronger monitoring could help ensure facilities operate within the conditions attached to their licences and improve confidence in the clearance system.

The anniversary event also featured remarks from former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom and former Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources Permanent Secretary Nicholas Ella. Ortom praised Blue Diamond for qualities including resilience and reliability. Ella recalled meeting Mbisiogu in 2010 while serving at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing and spoke about the company's development around challenges Nigerian traders encountered when conducting business with China.

Ella said those challenges included language, sourcing and logistics difficulties, and he encouraged the company to maintain the business practices that had supported its growth. Staff members and customers were also recognised during the anniversary celebration, with cash gifts and cheques presented to selected employees and customers.

For importers supporting the proposed reform, the immediate issue remains the time taken to resolve debit-note payments after an assessment has been made. Their position is that shortening that stage could complement existing Customs technology improvements while reducing avoidable delays and costs in Nigerian port operations.