The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has expressed serious concern over the skyrocketing cost of clearing goods at Nigerian ports, revealing that it now costs between N14 million and N15 million to clear a 20-foot container at Apapa Port in Lagos.
This is nearly double the cost in neighbouring Benin Republic, where the same container can be cleared for approximately N7 million to N8 million.
The association warned that the huge cost disparity is driving many Nigerian importers to divert their cargoes to ports in Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo, which offer lower charges and more efficient operations.
In an interview with Vanguard in Apapa, Lagos, IMAN’s South West Chairman, Joseph Ajoku, criticised recent tariff hikes by shipping companies and terminal operators.
He cautioned that the increases would fuel inflation, raise the prices of goods, and further burden import businesses.
Ajoku added that clearing a 40-foot container costs between N13 million and N14 million in Benin Republic, compared to N19 million to N20 million at Nigerian ports.
IMAN noted that smaller West African countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Burkina Faso are making significant strides in port efficiency and service delivery, putting Nigeria at a competitive disadvantage in the sub-region.
National General Secretary of IMAN, Aliyu Yar’adua, described importers as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy after oil, stressing their vital role in government revenue generation.
He appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to suspend further tariff increases and engage in proper consultations with stakeholders before approving any adjustments in shipping and terminal charges.
The development highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s port operations and their potential impact on trade, consumer prices, and the broader economy.
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