Reassessing the transition from paper to electronic bills of lading: regulatory impediments and prospective reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-evaluate the legal barriers surrounding the implementation of electronic billing systems and to propose potential reforms aimed at facilitating their efficient and widespread adoption in Nigeria. Since the 16th century, bills of lading have been integral to global trade, evolving in response to the practical exigencies and technological advancements of their respective eras. Despite their historical significance, the traditional paper-based bill of lading has increasingly been recognised as a hindrance to contemporary maritime commerce. The inherent vulnerabilities of physical documents such as susceptibility to damage and the logistical delays associated with their manual transfer have underscored the inefficiencies of this conventional system. These limitations have catalysed the development of electronic bills of lading (e-bills of lading) as a digital counterpart, a transition particularly pertinent within Nigeria’s maritime sector. Nevertheless, the adoption of e-bills of lading has engendered considerable apprehension, largely due to uncertainties surrounding their legal validity and operational efficacy. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a comprehensive desk-based study to examine the historical evolution and current concerns surrounding e-bills of lading as a substitute for traditional paper forms. Findings Specifically, the paper advocates for the enactment of clear and robust legislation that would grant e-bills of lading the same legal status as their paper counterparts. Originality/value This paper offers an original contribution to the academic and legal discourse on the subject, providing a novel analysis of the regulatory gaps while proposing practical recommendations for the effective adoption of e-bills of lading in Nigeria’s maritime industry.