Uzotex Bonded Terminal, a subsidiary of Blue Diamond Logistics China, said timely cargo clearance is critical to reducing operational costs, minimising demurrage charges and preventing unnecessary delays for importers and terminal operators.

The Chairman of Blue Diamond Logistics China, Festus Mbisiogu, made this observation at an event held in Lagos to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary.

He called for improved cargo clearance to facilitate the ease of doing business at the nation’s ports.

“Delay is one of the major challenges we face in the clearing process, and addressing it would significantly improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary delays and facilitate the timely clearance of goods,” he said.

According to him, the faster cargo is cleared, “the lower the risk of additional costs, demurrage charges and unnecessary delays for importers and terminal operators.”

Reflecting on the company’s two decades of operations, he said one of his major achievements was helping Nigerian importers overcome the challenges associated with sourcing and shipping goods from China.

He said he established the business after identifying a gap in the relationship between Nigerian entrepreneurs and Chinese suppliers at a time when many Nigerian traders relied more heavily on Dubai and Hong Kong for their international sourcing.

“Well, one of my visions was to bridge the gap for Nigerian importers who trade across the globe, mainly with China. Before now, Nigerians focused more on Dubai and Hong Kong. Then they discovered China around 1999 to 2000. So, I discovered a vacuum. The indigenous companies are the ones managing the shipment of goods to Nigeria, and Nigeria is the giant of Africa. So, I was so determined to bridge that gap,” he said.

He maintained that the company’s biggest achievement was making it possible for importers and Nigerian entrepreneurs who want to import from China to do business with ease.

“I am there to stand as a middleman between them and the supplier. What I mean by middleman is that I will stand as an interpreter, have a trained Chinese team that can translate the language for them, help them sell these goods, and make sure that they receive their goods on time,” he said.

He admitted that clearing cargo through Apapa and Onne ports had previously been quite challenging due to the systems and procedures in place, adding that the process could be time-consuming, often resulting in delays in cargo clearance and the eventual release of consignments.

“However, the current leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service recognised the need for improvement and introduced a digital platform known as B’Odogwu. It is an indigenous platform designed to address some of the challenges we face in cargo clearance and to improve efficiency in customs operations,” he said.