The South-West Chairman of the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Mr. Joseph Ajoku in this exclusive interview with Joshua Yousouph, raises concerns over the state of Nigeria’s maritime industry, describing the economy as harsh and unfriendly to importers. Ajoku speaks on the fluctuating exchange rate, declining purchasing power, shipping tariff increment, the exclusion of importers from major policy discussions, and the implementation of the National Single Window project. He also explains why importers are agitating against recent port charges and calls for more direct engagement with genuine stakeholders.
“Agents cannot fully speak for importers”
“We want the Single Window project to succeed because it will solve many problems”
How would you assess the maritime industry and importation business in the first half of 2026?
There is practically no difference from what we experienced last year. The economy is bad and it is affecting every sector, including importation. If you look at the exchange rate and the general economic situation, you do not need anybody to explain where the problem is coming from. The exchange rate is fluctuating heavily and that has affected our import strength. If you come to our warehouses today, many of them are filled-up, because there is low purchasing power among consumers. People are no longer buying like before, and when goods are not moving, importers cannot bring in fresh consignments. The economy has not improved and importers are finding it very difficult to survive.
China recently announced tariff reductions for African countries. Has that policy reflected positively on Nigerian importers?
To us, that announcement remains something we only read in newspapers. We have not seen any practical effect from it. If China has truly reduced tariffs, why are shipping companies and terminal operators still pushing for increments here? It looks like giving somebody something with one hand and collecting it back with the other hand. There is no reflection of any tariff reduction on the importation side. Everything remains on paper. Let them implement it practically, so that importers can feel the impact because right now, we are not feeling anything.
There have been controversies surrounding shipping tariff increments at Nigerian ports. What is the current situation?
The truth is that there was no real negotiation involving importers. What happened was simply an announcement of decisions already taken by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the House of Reps Committee and shipping companies. Importers were not part of the negotiation process. My question during one of the stakeholders’ meetings was simple: who is paying these charges? Is it not the importers? Without importers, will there be shipping companies? Without importers, will there be port agencies? You cannot negotiate tariff increments without involving the real owners of the cargo. After concluding among themselves, they now come to announce the decision to importers. That is not acceptable. We asked the shipping companies to provide templates showing why these increments are necessary, but they have not done so. From the point goods are loaded abroad to the point they arrive in Nigeria, freight charges have already been paid. Why then are additional charges being imposed?
What specifically concerns importers about these increments?
We need to know why these charges are increasing and who will bear the burden. Currently, it costs between N15 million and N17 million to clear a 40-foot container. After the increment, what will happen? Will it rise to N20 million or N25 million? These are serious concerns. Importers are already struggling under harsh economic conditions. Increasing port charges without consultation will worsen the situation and may eventually discourage importation altogether.
Some stakeholders believe clearing agents can adequately represent importers during consultations. Do you agree?
No. Agents cannot fully speak for importers. Agents work for importers because they clear goods on our behalf. We give them our documents and pay them for their services. That does not make them the owners of the cargo. You can invite agents to meetings because they play important roles in cargo clearance, but importers must be directly involved in discussions that concern charges, policies and regulations affecting their businesses. The maritime industry is driven by importers and exporters. Excluding them from discussions is wrong.
You earlier mentioned the National Single Window project. What is your assessment of it?
We want the Single Window project to succeed because it will solve many problems.
At the moment, importers often depend on stories from agents about delays and bottlenecks at ports. But with a functional Single Window system, an importer can sit comfortably in his office and monitor the movement of his goods from one point to another. It will bring transparency and reduce unnecessary delays and hidden charges. However, the authorities must properly engage importers and explain how the system works and how it will benefit us. Unfortunately, most sensitisation efforts have focused on agents while neglecting importers and exporters. Many average importers in markets like Alaba, Trade Fair, Onitsha or Port Harcourt still do not understand what the Single Window initiative is all about.
There have been allegations of divisions among importers’ groups. Has this affected engagement with government agencies?
Every organisation can experience misunderstandings. That does not mean the association has collapsed. Any misunderstanding within IMAN was resolved several years ago. We have one recognised Importers Association of Nigeria. Government agencies know where to find us. We have offices in Lagos and Abuja and we participate in stakeholder engagements whenever invited. So, division is not an excuse for excluding importers from critical discussions.
Why do you think importers are often left out of policy consultations?
Some people want to position themselves as representatives of importers simply because they work with importers. When an importer gives an agent documents to clear goods, it does not make the agent the owner of the cargo. Many times, agents claim they are speaking on behalf of importers, but the real cargo owners are not consulted directly. This is why policies and decisions often fail to address the practical realities facing importers.
There have also been concerns about container deposits and related charges. What is your position?
These are part of the hidden costs importers face daily. Container deposits are paid by importers, but many times importers do not even know whether the money is refunded properly after containers are returned. These expenses continue to increase the overall cost of doing business. That is why importers are worried about further tariff increments because business is already difficult due to low sales and harsh economic realities.
The Nigeria Customs Service and National Bureau of Statistics recently reported an increase in import activities. Do you agree with those figures?
I do not agree completely with those claims. Sometimes government agencies release figures simply to show they are working, but the practical realities are different. Yes, there may be increased importation in certain areas, especially because politicians are bringing in vehicles and campaign materials ahead of elections. But when you talk about general importation of goods and services, the reality on ground is different. Importers are struggling seriously. Many people borrow money from banks to import goods but cannot recover their capital because sales are poor. Warehouses are full and purchasing power is weak. So, I do not believe the figures fully reflect the realities importers are facing.
What recommendations would you give government and maritime regulators?
The solution is simple: engage the rightful stakeholders. Government agencies should consult directly with importers and exporters before making decisions that affect them. Importers are not aggressive people. We are open to dialogue and consultations. If proper engagement had taken place from the beginning, this issue of tariff increment would not have escalated. We could have resolved everything amicably at the roundtable level. There should also be separate stakeholder engagements involving importers and exporters on one side and agents on another side. That way, discussions will be more productive and solutions easier to achieve.
As the new South-West Chairman of IMAN, what is your vision for the association?
Before becoming chairman, I served as the General Secretary. After the death of our former chairman last year, I emerged through the constitutional process. My vision is to ensure continuous consultation and collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders. We want proactive engagement, not confrontation. Our goal is to maintain constant discussions with regulators like the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other agencies to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing importers. We believe dialogue is always better than conflict.
Finally, are you open to reconciliation and discussions with clearing agents and other stakeholders?
Of course. We do not reject meetings or peace discussions. Anytime we are invited for dialogue aimed at improving the maritime sector, we will attend, because our objective is to move the industry forward and protect the interests of genuine importers.
