LAGOS - Nigerian importers and terminal operators are grappling with a severe crisis as over 6,386 cargo containers remain detained at various Lagos port terminals, accumulating staggering demurrage charges of approximately N472.5 million daily.
Massive Financial Losses Mount Daily
The alarming situation came to light during a workshop organized by the Nigerian Shippers' Council in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Maritime Police Command in Apapa. Industry stakeholders revealed that shipping companies, terminal operators, and other port users are facing unprecedented financial losses due to what they describe as incessant interference in cargo clearance processes.
According to detailed findings, a 40ft container attracts a daily demurrage fee of N120,000, while a 20ft container incurs N80,000 in charges. These accumulating costs are creating massive financial burdens for businesses already struggling with economic challenges.
Breakdown of Agency Detentions
Nnanna Kenneth, representing Five Star Logistics Yard, presented a comprehensive breakdown of the detained containers across various government agencies:
- Nigeria Police Maritime Command: 2,000 containers blocked
- Nigeria Customs Service (NCS): 1,500 units restricted
- Department of State Services (DSS): 801 containers blocked
- NAFDAC: 1,162 containers detained
- NDLEA: 639 containers restricted
- Nigeranian Agricultural Quarantine Service: 284 units blocked
Kenneth explained that the blockage mechanism often involves written directives from agencies that automatically halt the movement of all container units tied to a particular bill of lading. "In many cases, a single agency letter can immobilise between 15 and 20 containers at once," he noted, highlighting how this practice severely restricts delivery timelines for importers and freight agents.
Maritime Police Investigations Blamed for Delays
Dimeji Gbadebo, Deputy Manager of Imports at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Nigeria Limited, identified maritime police investigations as a primary source of the problem. He cited frequent stop-letters and extended container detention periods that sometimes stretch into weeks or months, with little to no feedback on investigation outcomes.
Gbadebo drew stark comparisons with international port operations, noting that Singapore completes clearance processes within 24 hours, while neighboring Lomé operates a seamless seven-day system. In contrast, Nigeria struggles to achieve timely clearance even within 21 days, creating significant competitive disadvantages for Nigerian businesses.
The prolonged delays, often caused by extended investigations and administrative bottlenecks, expose importers and agents to substantial financial and operational setbacks that threaten business viability.
Official Response and Investigation Findings
Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, expressed deep concern over the situation. Represented by Margaret Ogbonnah, Director of Regulatory Services Department, Akutah confirmed that numerous reports from stakeholders point to incessant interference in cargo clearance processes and unjustified placement of detention orders on duly cleared cargoes.
"Upon investigations carried out to ascertain the veracity of these claims," Akutah stated, "it was in most cases confirmed that these practices are carried out by various police formations without the knowledge of the Assistant Inspector General of Police."
The revelation suggests systemic issues within port administration procedures that require immediate intervention to prevent further economic damage to Nigeria's maritime sector and the broader economy.
