WAF Shipping Focus: Week 27
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Fresh indications have emerged that the cost of transporting containers from
the Apapa port of Lagos has dropped significantly from its initial N1.2million to
an all ,me low of N350,000 to the excitement of stakeholders. DAILY TREND had
reported in March 2025 at the wake of congestion at Apapa port that cost of
transportation rose to as high as N900,000 for a forty foot container.
Stakeholders had at the ,me blamed irregularities in the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA) Eto Call-up system as responsible for the high cost of haulage
as it takes days for trucks to access the port, coupled with challenges of illegal
checkpoints and corruption. However, speaking at the ANLCA National
Secretariat, Chief Chukwumalu commended the Apapa Customs Controller,
adding that the training programme he had conducted for the clearing agents
was an eye opener in solving a lot of challenges at the port.
For further information please check the link below:
Intensifying its efforts to combat smuggling and non-compliance within the
nation’s busiest port corridor, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) said that it sealed three bonded terminals under its command for
various infractions. This is even as the Command also intercepted 27 containers
of contraband goods valued at N9.26 billion between January and June 2025.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed
this during a press briefing at Apapa Ports, stating that one of the sealed
terminals has already been charged to court, while investigations are ongoing
into the activities of the remaining two. According to him, the Command
remains firm in its commitment to sanitise the port environment and ensure
strict adherence to Customs regulations by terminal operators. “As a fallout
from our rigorous an,-smuggling operations, we have sealed three bonded
terminals under the Command. One has been charged to court for prosecution,
and investigations continue on the others.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigeria’s first indigenous container vessel, M.V. Ocean Dragon, arrived at
the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, carrying over 350 containers. Speaking during
the reception ceremony, Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Mrs Benedine
Eloka, described the vessel’s arrival as the fulfilment of a long-term strategic
plan made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders, including
financial institutions and relevant government agencies. Mrs Eloka
emphasized that the introduction of M.V. Ocean Dragon aims to address
longstanding logistical challenges faced by Nigerian importers and exporters,
particularly in the movement of containerized cargo both within the country
and across the West African sub-region. According to her, the vessel boasts a
capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, TEUs, and is expected to
significantly ease the burden of transporting containers over land by offering
a more efficient coastal shipping alternative.
For further information please check the link below:
Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, paid a
visit to the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO, as part of efforts to
strengthen collaboration and address key challenges affecting inland cargo
transportation. The NSC delegation was led by Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu,
Director, Inland Transport Services, who represented the Executive Secretary of
the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius. Zubairu explained that the visit was aimed at
identifying and finding solutions to the issues facing cargo movement within
and around port corridors. Key issues raised during the meeting included the
lack of modern truck marshalling yards—with AMATO proposing a 4,000-truck
capacity site -persistent port congestion, human interference, extortion,
insecurity, unstable haulage rates due to poor infrastructure, and the problem
of excessive checkpoints. AMATO also highlighted challenges with container
detention and its adverse impact on operations. In response, Zubairu
acknowledged the concerns raised and assured AMATO of the Council’s
commitment to improving port efficiency.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to
restoring commercial train services on the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge corridor,
reaching Offa before the end of 2025. The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode
Opeifa, said this in a statement in Lagos, signed by Ag. Deputy Director Public
Affairs, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu. Opeifa gave the assurance while receiving
members of the Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) led
by Dr Waheed Olagunju. The NRC boss explained that although the western
narrow gauge line would have resumed operations earlier, washout along the
corridor delayed the process. “I assure that NRC engineers are working round
the clock to repair damaged tracks with service reactivation expected to reach
Offa, Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna and ultimately Kano. “NRC applaud the people of
Offa for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding railway assets, their
efforts as exemplary.” He further assured that under his leadership, NRC would
not only reactivate the Offa railway line but also revive the Railway Recreation
Club, boosting community activities in the town.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to
strengthening international enforcement alliances with the signing of a bilateral
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in
Customs Matters with the Republic of Belarus. The agreement was concluded,
as a side event during the ongoing 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Cooperation Council at the World Customs Organisation, WCO, Headquarters in
Brussels. The MoU was signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir
Adewale Adeniyi, and Mr. Vladimir Orlovsky, Chairman of the State Customs
Committee, representing the Government of the Republic of Belarus. Shortly
aner the ceremony, CGC Adeniyi described the agreement as a strategic tool to
expand the Service’s global customs diplomacy and reform blueprint,
particularly in information exchange, joint enforcement, and capacity building.
“We are forging a new chapter in international cooperation, one rooted in
mutual trust, operational efficiency, and proactive intelligence.
For further information please check the link below:
Comments