By Idowu Addison
Members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have threatened to stage a protest over what they described as the abuse and manipulation of ship manifests by some shipping companies, warning that they would expose those responsible if urgent steps are not taken to address the alleged irregularities.
The development if not addressed, could lead to disruption of port operations and consequently impact an already fragile economy.
Speaking of the situation, former Vice President of ANLCA, Kayode Farinto accused accused two (names withheld) international shipping companies of engaging in a practice that creates serious challenges for importers and licensed customs agents, while allegedly encouraging corruption within the cargo clearance process.
According to Farinto, the affected shipping companies often submit electronic manifests indicating the arrival of all containers aboard a vessel, whereas only a portion of the declared cargo is actually discharged at Nigerian ports, with the remaining containers left at transshipment hubs such as Cotonou or Côte d’Ivoire for later shipment.
He explained that when the outstanding containers eventually arrive in Nigeria on another vessel without the necessary electronic manifest adjustments, the Nigeria Customs Service treats them as overdue or abandoned cargo because the original manifest had already been processed
“The bills of lading become blocked, making it impossible for importers or their agents to process declarations electronically. At that point, physical intervention becomes necessary, and that is where corruption begins to thrive,” he said.
He called on the Nigeria Customs Service to immediately investigate vessels operated by MSC and Hapag-Lloyd and impose appropriate sanctions where violations are established.
He argued that the Nigeria Customs Act, 2023 empowers the Service to sanction shipping companies that submit inaccurate or misleading manifests, describing the alleged practice as a criminal offence under the law.
“I am raising this alarm to the Nigeria Customs Service. If this issue is not addressed within two weeks, Nigerians will begin to see the other side of the story. I am tired of receiving complaints from our members and tired of the level of extortion associated with this practice,” he warned.
The former ANLCA boss maintained that every shipping company has a responsibility to ensure that the number of containers declared on an electronic manifest corresponds with the actual cargo discharged from the vessel.
He noted that where containers are delayed under transshipment arrangements and later conveyed to Nigeria aboard another vessel, the appropriate manifest amendments must be made to prevent innocent importers from being wrongly classified as having abandoned their cargo.
Farinto stresse stressed that terminal operators and Customs area commands should not be blamed for the resulting clearance delays, insisting that the root cause lies with shipping companies that fail to properly account for cargo movements.
He added that while he was deliberately withholding further details for now, he would disclose additional information regarding the alleged extortion and operational challenges faced by licensed customs agents if the Customs Service fails to take decisive action within the two-week deadline.
He however urged the Nigeria Customs Service to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the operations of the affected shipping companies and enforce the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Act, 2023 to safeguard legitimate trade, curb corruption, and protect importers from unnecessary hardship.
