SHIPPING LINES IN NIGERIA ACCUSED OF SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATION

By Lod Onyeji 

Lagos, Nigeria - The National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA) has leveled serious allegations against major international shipping lines operating in Nigeria, accusing them of systematically exploiting clearing agents and importers through delayed refunds, payment confirmations, and container release.

According to High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, National President of NCJTFLCA, shipping lines such as Maersk Line, PIL, Elder Dempster, and MSC are using customers' funds to sustain their internal operations. "They are running business with our money," Dr. Nwolisa alleged, citing delays in refunds, payment confirmations, and container release.

The NCJTFLCA claims that some shipping lines operate with minimal staff, making real-time customer service impossible and forcing clients to rely on email correspondence. Payment confirmations can take up to three days, during which demurrage charges accrue at the importer's cost.

Dr. Nwolisa also highlighted the issue of trapped refunds, alleging that shipping lines use bureaucracy to delay or deny refunds. "You pay from your own account, and when it's time for a refund, they'll say you didn't pay it—that only the importer can collect," he said.

The advocacy group has condemned the alleged practices, describing them as "deliberate economic sabotage" with ripple effects on the broader economy. Dr. Nwolisa warned that the situation could lead to a total breakdown of confidence in Nigeria's import-export system.

Allegations of "Digital Blackout" and Document Tricks

The NCJTFLCA also accused shipping companies of using network failure as a smokescreen to delay transactions and pile up storage charges. Dr. Nwolisa cited cases where shipping lines claim network failure, resulting in delays and additional charges.

Furthermore, the group alleged that shipping companies reject documents for minor errors, such as punctuation, to force delays and inflate charges. "If you make one mistake—a comma or a period—they'll reject the letter," Dr. Nwolisa said.

Call to Action

The NCJTFLCA has called for action, stating that it would take legal steps to address the alleged extortion. Dr. Nwolisa confirmed that legal steps were already in motion, with lawyers preparing petitions to the National Assembly and regulatory authorities.

"We will no longer tolerate these anomalies," Dr. Nwolisa declared. "If the shipping lines refuse to change, we have no option than to take legal action. This is not aggression—it is about getting justice."

The advocacy group has urged the Federal Government, Nigerian Shippers' Council, and Ports Economic Regulator to act swiftly to prevent a total breakdown of confidence in Nigeria's import-export system. "Nigeria is not a banana republic," Dr. Nwolisa insisted. "We want fair business. Not harassment, not extortion. Let shipping companies be audited and made to adhere to standard practices."