The Importers Association of Nigeria, IMAN, has raised concerns over the escalating cost of cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, disclosing that clearing a 20-foot container at Apapa Port in Lagos now costs between N14 million and N15 million, compared to about N7 million to N8 million in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The association described the wide cost disparity as one of the major reasons many Nigerian importers are diverting their cargoes to neighbouring West African countries such as Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo, where port charges are lower and operations are considered more efficient.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard in Apapa, Lagos, the South West Chairman of IMAN, Joseph Ajoku, criticised the recent increase in tariffs by shipping companies and terminal operators, warning that the development could worsen inflation, increase the prices of goods, and further strain import businesses in the country.
Ajoku noted that while it costs between N13 million and N14 million to clear a 40-foot container in Benin Republic, the same container currently attracts between N19 million and N20 million at Nigerian ports.
According to IMAN, the high cost of operations at Nigerian ports continues to undermine the country’s competitiveness within the West African sub-region.
“Our findings reveal that smaller West African countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso are recording significant improvements in operational efficiency and service delivery.
“For instance, at Benin Republic ports, a 20-foot container can be cleared at approximately N7 million to N8 million, compared to N14 million to N15 million at Apapa Port, Nigeria.
“Similarly, a 40-foot container costs approximately N13 million to N14 million to clear in Benin Republic, while the same container costs about N19 million to N20 million at Apapa Port,” the association stated.
Also commenting on the issue, the National General Secretary of IMAN, Aliyu Yar’adua, described importers as a major pillar of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that the sector contributes significantly to government revenue generation.
“After oil, it is what importers bring into the economy that keeps the country moving. Importers are the lifeline of government revenue,” Aliyu Yar’adua said.
He further appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, to suspend additional tariff increases and ensure proper consultations with importers before approving any adjustment in shipping and terminal charges.
