Disputes have escalated between the Shipping Association of Nigeria and licensed customs agents over the return of empty containers, reports the Punch daily of Lagos..
Agents accused shipping companies of abandoning empty containers at Nigerian ports, worsening congestion. The association countered that importers often prefer to forfeit deposits rather than bear the high costs of returning containers to origin ports.
Riwan Amuni of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents said truck owners exploited past traffic chaos at port roads, driving up transport costs. He urged authorities to compel ships to take back equal numbers of empty containers to avoid congestion, citing recent charges of NGN1.4 million (US$96,568) to move two containers in Apapa.
Abayomi Duyile of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents added that shipping companies deliberately abandon empties for later export use, a practice causing long-standing congestion.
Research by the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre estimated Nigerian importers lose US$500 million annually due to exchange rate issues and over 100,000 empty containers littering ports. Head of research Eugene Nweke warned that 65,000 to 100,000 TEU of derelict containers pose health and environmental risks.
Mr Nweke, a former freight forwarders' president, said returning empties costs US$2,000 to $4,000 for a 20-foot unit and $3,500 to $6,000 for a 40-foot unit, depending on route.
SAN chairman Boma Alabi said importers often abandon containers roadside, as transport costs can reach NGN500,000 compared with deposits of about NGN100,000. She argued it is cheaper to forgo the deposit than pay for return transport.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251200000499
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