By Joshua Yousouph
Some importers have alleged that, rising shipping and port charges in Nigeria are forcing importers to divert cargo from Lagos ports to neighbouring ports like Cotonou, Republic of Benin, with savings of between N3 million and N4 million per container now influencing key logistics decisions.
Speaking under the aegis of Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), South West Zone, they raised alarm that the cost of clearing goods through Apapa Port has become significantly higher than alternative routes, making ports in neighbouring countries more attractive.
Speaking exclusively with Shipping Position Daily last week, Acting Chairman of the association in the region, Chief Joseph Ajoku, disclosed that many importers now route their consignments through Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to cut costs.
Highlighting the financial strain on businesses, Ajoku revealed that importers sometimes divert cargo clearance away from Apapa to Cotonou due to high costs, noting that savings of between N3 million and N4 million per container can be achieved.
“Most times, the cost of clearing in Apapa is so high that we decide to move our cargo to Cotonou. When we compare, we see a difference of about N3 million to N4 million on a single container,” he said.
According to him, the development is a direct consequence of the recent freight rate increments imposed by shipping companies, which have continued despite ongoing consultations with stakeholders.
Ajoku lamented that engagements with shipping lines have yet to produce any relief, as operators maintain their position on the increases. “We have attended several meetings. They explain their challenges, but at the end, they still go ahead to announce the increment,” he stated.
He warned that the continued diversion of cargo could lead to significant revenue losses for Nigeria and weaken activities at its ports.
The IMAN leader stressed that importers bear the brunt of the rising costs, as charges from shipping companies and clearing agents are ultimately transferred to them. “All the burden is on the importers. We are the ones at the receiving end,” he added.
Ajoku also reiterated concerns over the lack of transparency in the pricing structure, accusing both shipping companies and freight forwarders of failing to provide cost templates to justify the increases.
As the dispute over shipping charges lingers, the stakeholders warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address high port costs, Nigeria risks losing more cargo traffic to neighbouring countries, further undermining its competitiveness in regional maritime trade.
