WAF Shipping Focus: Week 33
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has raised concerns over the
current freight rate structure in Nigeria’s maritime haulage industry, describing it
as unsustainable and inequitable, particularly for truckers and small fleet operators.
In a statement, AMATO’s Head of Research, Mr. Adeshina Ajibola, explained that
empirical data derived from a comprehensive pricing template for haulage
operations reveals that existing freight rates fail to reflect realistic Turnaround
Times (TAT), external inefficiencies, and prevailing operational challenges in the
sector. According to Mr. Ajibola, key insights from the pricing template highlight
that harsh operational conditions, particularly within the 50-kilometre radius of
Lagos, classified as “Local” significantly hinder efficiency. He noted that current
freight rates, often distorted by brokerage fees, fail to reflect the true investment
and risks undertaken by truck owners. “Unsustainable practices, such as rate
reductions driven by automation, overlook the realities of Nigeria’s difficult
business environment,” Ajibola stated.
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Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has tasked
his management team to renew commitment towards continuous improvement of the Port efficiencies with a view to sustaining the positive export performance
Nigeria has recorded thus far in the successive quarters of year 2025. Speaking
during the recently concluded NPA Management Retreat in Onne Rivers State,
Dantsoho said “we are proud of the excellent work being undertaken by the
Nigerian Export Promotion Council as evident in the increased export numbers
passing through our platforms, but we cannot rest on our laurels, we must commit
to a continuous improvement paradigm of Port operations and service delivery that places high premium on issues of sustainability”. Dantsoho further stated
“minimizing environmental impact through eco-friendliness, promotion of social
responsibility, and ensuring long-term economic viability are the drivers of global
progress, and we cannot afford to be left behind.
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The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS intercepted narcotics, fire arms, ammunitions
and pharmaceuticals and other unauthorised goods at the Apapa Port in Lagos
valued at over N10Billion. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted narcotics,
firearms, ammunition, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited goods
at the Apapa Port in Lagos, with an estimated value of N10 billion. Speaking to
Newsmen in Lagos, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr.
Adewale Adeniyi said that it was against the backdrop of the increase in smuggling
of unregistered pharmaceuticals that the agency decided to ban the stemming of
containers to Bonded terminals. Adeniyi also said that the seizure of 16 containers
of goods whose importation violates trade laws and threatens the nation’s peace
and security. He explained that initially, some of the containers were adjudged
clean adding that on a second search by operatives of the Nigeria Customs and the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency revealed the concealment of 202 cans of
Colorado Loud, that is, Canadian drugs. Each of the cans weighs 500 grams, and the total seizure involved is 101 kilograms.
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The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
commended President Bola Tinubu for working to stabilize Nigeria’s economy,
saying reforms under his administration are moving in the right direction. Speaking to State House correspondents after a courtesy visit to the President, Okonjo-Iweala said her discussions with the President centered on the launch of a landmark initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women in the digital export economy. “We came to brief Mr. President about something very joyful that we did today with the help of the First Lady – the launch of the Women Exporters Fund for the Digital Economy. This fund, jointly managed by the WTO and the International Trade Centre, in Geneva, to help support the economy and support women, to be able to weather the storms of the economy and be able to create jobs for themselves, for others. “So, we came to brief Mr. President about this fund, which we launched.
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The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has moved to douse tensions within
the nation’s ports following a consultation meeting between the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) and freight forwarding associations on the review of licensing
renewal fees for licensed customs agents. In a statement signed by its Chairman;
Hakeem Olanrewaju, the CCC said the meeting, which was convened by the NCS in
line with Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, addressed
several key issues affecting port operations. According to a statement issued by the
CCC, during the meeting, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, insisted on the enforcement of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) rate, describing it as a non-negotiable provision of the Customs Act. “The NCS also announced the discontinuation of the 7% payment on total annual revenue collection and the 1% Comprehensive Inspection and Supervision Scheme (CISS), directing their immediate removal from the service’s portal. On operational challenges, the CCC noted that migration hitches from the NICIS 2 platform to the new B’Odogwu platform were discussed, with directives issued for prompt resolution.
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed serious concern over recent
attempts to infiltrate and compromise its new digital system, the Unified Customs
Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’Odogwu. The Comptroller General of
Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a high-level stakeholder
engagement held recently at the Apapa Area Command. The meeting was
convened to address challenges in the maritime industry and ensure seamless
trade facilitation. Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the new
B’Odogwu system, stating, “On B’Odogwu, there is no going back. We have to forge ahead with what we have started. We know there will be issues, which is why,
before now, we met with some authorised banks, and that engagement has yielded positive results.” The CGC emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting, “It’s our intent to always listen to you patiently, so we have brought everyone together today as equal partners in this project.” He revealed that while joint efforts have already resolved some issues, the Service is now confronting new threats.
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