Shipping agents and customs officials dispute over empty container returns, causing port congestion and financial losses for Nigerian importers.
Disputes have escalated between the Shipping Association of Nigeria and licensed customs agents regarding the return of empty containers, as reported by the Punch daily of Lagos.
Agents have accused shipping companies of abandoning empty containers at Nigerian ports, exacerbating congestion. In response, the association argued that importers often prefer to forfeit deposits rather than incur the high costs of returning containers to their origin ports.
Riwan Amuni, a representative of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, stated that truck owners exploit past traffic chaos on port roads, driving up transport costs. He urged authorities to compel shipping companies to take back an equal number of empty containers to alleviate congestion, citing recent charges of NGN1.4 million (approximately US$96,568) to move two containers in Apapa.
Abayomi Duyile from the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents added that shipping companies intentionally abandon empty containers for later export use, a practice that contributes to long-standing congestion.
Research conducted by the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre estimated that Nigerian importers lose around US$500 million annually due to exchange rate issues and the presence of over 100,000 empty containers cluttering the ports. Eugene Nweke, the head of research, warned that 65,000 to 100,000 TEU of derelict containers pose significant health and environmental risks.
Mr. Nweke, a former president of freight forwarders, noted that the cost of returning empty containers ranges from US$2,000 to $4,000 for a 20-foot unit and from $3,500 to $6,000 for a 40-foot unit, depending on the route.
Boma Alabi, chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, stated that importers often abandon containers roadside, as transport costs can reach NGN500,000 compared to deposits of about NGN100,000. She argued that it is more economical to forgo the deposit than to pay for return transport.
