Sea Empowerment and Research Centre warns of rising costs as shipping firms relocate containers from ports to private terminals

Importers operating through Lagos ports are now losing up to ₦3.5 million for every 40-foot container due to the increasing transfer of cargo from official ports of discharge to off-dock facilities, according to findings released on Monday by the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC). The centre said this practice, driven by commercial arrangements between shipping companies and private terminal operators, is placing a heavy financial burden on cargo owners and disrupting supply chains across Nigeria’s busiest port city.

Industry sources revealed that shipping lines have been moving large volumes of import-laden containers from Lagos seaports to selected off-dock terminals under opaque agreements. Stakeholders allege that these operational decisions are made without adequate transparency or input from affected importers, leading to unexpected charges and delays in clearing goods.

The practice has raised serious concerns among importers, freight forwarders, manufacturers, and other stakeholders who depend on efficient cargo movement for their businesses. According to SEREC’s Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, engagements with these groups show widespread worry about additional expenses tied to terminal transfers, repositioning fees, handling charges, administrative costs, and prolonged truck journeys—all of which add up to an average extra cost of ₦3.5 million per 40-foot container.

SEREC warned that these increased costs could have far-reaching implications for competition within the maritime sector as well as the broader Nigerian economy. The centre highlighted risks including reduced supply chain efficiency, threats to contractual integrity between shippers and cargo owners, and overall negative impacts on economic sustainability. “Stakeholders expect greater transparency from shipping lines and terminal operators so importers are not left shouldering hidden costs,” Nweke noted in a written statement.

With concerns mounting over rising inflation and naira depreciation already squeezing margins in the import sector, experts say urgent intervention is needed. SEREC called for an expanded review of off-dock cargo relocation practices by regulatory agencies and industry leaders to ensure fair competition and protect the interests of Nigerian importers going forward.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/importers-lose-n3-5m-per-40ft-container-to-off-dock-cargo-relocation/