Maritime
“Is Nigeria a Banana Republic?”: Maritime Leader Blasts Policy Gaps Enabling Shipping Line Fraud
A respected industry leader has issued a scathing indictment of Nigeria’s maritime system, warning that international and local shipping companies are operating like “lawless entities” unchecked by regulation and allegedly engaging in widespread fraud and extortion.
High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, President of the National Compliance Joint Tasks Force of Licenced Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA), delivered the explosive remarks during a media briefing in Lagos, calling out companies such as Maersk Line, PIL, MSC, and Elder Dempster for deliberately sabotaging Nigeria’s clearing process to exploit customers and make illicit profits.
“It’s a big shame that in a country like Nigeria, there is no government policy regulating the activities of shipping lines,” Dr. Nwolisa declared.
“They do what they like. They charge what they like. They frustrate Nigerian businessmen and agents with no accountability. Is Nigeria a banana republic?”
Policy Vacuum, No Accountability
Dr. Nwolisa pointed to a lack of enforceable maritime policies as the foundation of the crisis. According to him, shipping companies impose arbitrary charges, delay payment and cargo releases, and demand sensitive documents, all without fear of consequences.
“Shipping lines in Nigeria have no policy documents that bind them. Ask any government agency to show you a published regulation — they have none. Meanwhile, these companies dictate the terms, impose financial penalties at will, and go unpunished when they breach agreements. How can this continue?” Nwolisa questioned.
Identity Theft & Document Abuse
Among the most troubling revelations was the unauthorized demand for voter cards, international passports, and NIN slips before containers can be released, a practice Dr. Nwolisa says has no legal basis.
“Where else in the world do you see shipping lines demanding passports, voter cards, and NIN slips before releasing goods that have already been paid for? These are security breaches. This is lawlessness and must be stopped.”
He described it as a stalling tactic to trigger more storage and demurrage fees — to the financial detriment of Nigerian businesses.
Refund Fraud, Digital Blackouts, and Hidden Charges
The advocacy group also accused shipping lines of fraudulently withholding container deposit refunds, which often go unpaid for weeks or months.
“They are running business with our money. When you apply for a refund, it can take one or two months. Meanwhile, they’re using that deposit to run their own business.”
He highlighted that clearing agents, who often pay out of pocket on behalf of importers are denied refunds unless they bribe staff.
“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. But if you give them ₦20,000 or ₦30,000, the refund is magically processed. So who is really collecting?”
The agents also cited systemic inefficiencies such as:
Digital blackout scams: Prolonged network outages used as an excuse to delay releases.
“They will tell you there is no network after payment. That network failure could last for five days — five days of demurrage multiplied by thousands of containers. That is billions of naira lost.”
Punctuation rejections: Shipping companies allegedly reject documents over minor typographical errors to stall processes.
“If you make one mistake — a comma or a period — they’ll reject the letter. You’ll have to resend and wait again. It’s intentional.”
Outrageous Deposits and Auction Rackets
The group shared alarming evidence of outrageous container deposits, such as a case where an importer was forced to pay ₦8 million for a single container or risk having it auctioned off.
“It is a racket,” Nwolisa said.
“Once you can’t meet the outrageous deposit, they move to auction your container. We have seen it happen more than once.”
High Chief (Dr) Basil Chudi Nwolisa.
Legislative Reforms and Legal Steps
In a bold move, NCJTFLCA announced that petitions are being prepared for submission to the National Assembly and relevant regulators, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“We will no longer tolerate these anomalies. 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.”
Dr. Nwolisa also questioned whether foreign shipping companies were being protected by Nigerian elites, who may have vested interests.
“Are we being suppressed by our own leaders?” he asked.
National Interest at Stake
With Nigeria facing a potential loss of port business to neighboring countries like Ghana and Togo, the NCJTFLCA warned that the crisis is not just about agents — it’s about the survival of the entire import-export ecosystem.
“If we don’t address this now, we’ll lose our ports to Togo, Ghana, and Benin. Investors are already relocating. It’s a national emergency.”
Final Warning: Protest May Loom
Unless the government acts swiftly, Dr. Nwolisa said the group may organize a national compliance protest in the coming quarter.
“We are law-abiding, but we cannot continue like this. This is our stand — and we are not backing down.”
Conclusion
As frustrations reach boiling point, NCJTFLCA’s message is unambiguous: Nigerian ports are in crisis. Unless concrete regulatory action is taken, shipping lines will continue to operate with impunity, further damaging investor confidence and threatening the future of Nigeria’s maritime economy.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic,” Nwolisa insisted.
“We want fair business. Not harassment, not extortion. Let shipping companies be audited and made to adhere to standard practices.”
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its push to strengthen Nigeria’s shipbuilding and shipyard sector.
The agency says the move is key to deepening the country’s blue economy and stopping the outflow of capital spent on foreign shipyards.
The commitment was made at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos.
Why It Matters
Shipbuilding is central to Nigeria’s ambition to expand its blue economy.
NIMASA argues that without deliberate funding models and consistent policy support, local shipyards will struggle to survive in a highly competitive global market.
The Executive Director of Operations at NIMASA, Engr Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, represented by Dr Oma Offodile, said:
“Shipbuilding is a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations. It is capital-intensive, technically demanding and highly competitive, which is why deliberate funding models, targeted incentives and consistent policies are critical.
Through engagements like these, NIMASA is working with industry stakeholders to address structural constraints, build local capacity, curb capital flight and position Nigerian shipyards to compete sustainably, while supporting decarbonisation, job creation and our obligations at the International Maritime Organisation.”
The Challenges Facing Shipyards
According to NIMASA, Nigeria’s shipbuilding segment faces multiple structural barriers.
These include restricted access to capital, high operational costs, cyclical revenues and policy inconsistency.
The agency also cited a shortage of skilled manpower, underinvestment in automation and green technologies, and insufficient scale to compete globally.
Global trends are adding pressure.
Maritime decarbonisation rules from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) now require shipyards to produce more energy-efficient vessels.
NIMASA says sustaining Nigeria’s return to Category C of the IMO Council depends partly on building stronger domestic maritime capacity.
Industry Reaction
The Managing Director of Starz Marine Limited, Engr Greg Ogbeifun, welcomed the Federal Government’s creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He described it as a strategic step toward unlocking the sector’s potential.
He also called for deliberate government support for shipyard operators to improve competitiveness and attract investment.
Other shipyard owners at the meeting pledged collaboration with NIMASA.
They stressed the need for stable policies, targeted financial incentives and stronger skills development programmes.
What’s Next?
Stakeholders agreed on the need for coordinated funding mechanisms, incentives and clear procurement policies.
NIMASA says its renewed focus aligns with the NIMASA Act 2007, which mandates the agency to promote shipping development and maritime capacity building.
The agency’s next challenge will be translating stakeholder discussions into measurable policy reforms and accessible financing structures.
For shipyard operators and maritime workers, the outcome could determine whether Nigeria becomes a regional shipbuilding hub or continues to rely heavily on foreign facilities.
Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited says it is targeting stronger revenue growth in 2026 after restructuring its operations and returning to profitability in 2025.
The Lagos-based terminal operator, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, said its decision to refocus on general cargo and break-bulk handling helped stabilise the business following a difficult 2024.
The company had lost several high-profile clients in 2024, a setback that reduced cargo volumes and earnings.
In response, management scaled back container exposure and prioritised general cargo operations including steel, vehicles and palletised imports particularly from Asia.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s ports are critical to trade, government revenue and supply chains.
A rebound at one of Lagos’ cargo terminals signals broader shifts within the maritime sector, especially as operators grapple with volatile shipping patterns and infrastructure constraints.
Improved performance at port terminals can reduce delays, support importers and exporters, and contribute to economic stability.
According to John Jenkins, Managing Director of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, internal restructuring was central to the turnaround.
“Our strategic operational reforms played a critical role in the rebound. The company restructured its stevedoring operations, resulting in a significant reduction in operating costs and measurable improvements in productivity following a change in service provider.
“We also invested in critical equipment such as forklifts and spare parts, while rebalancing our workforce. This included filling key operational roles with competent hands to strengthen service delivery and support higher volumes.”
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has in recent years encouraged operational efficiency and infrastructure upgrades across terminals to boost throughput and competitiveness.
Although NPA did not comment directly on the company’s projections, port authorities have consistently emphasised capacity expansion and equipment modernisation as key to improving trade flows.
What’s Next for 2026?
The company has projected significant revenue growth in 2026, with general cargo expected to account for the largest share.
Management says higher import flows from Asia and increased steel and vehicle shipments will drive volumes.
To support expected growth, the company has outlined capital expenditure plans for 2026, including crane upgrades, additional forklifts and terminal trucks.
The investments are expected to ease capacity constraints and reduce reliance on hired equipment.
However, challenges remain.
The company acknowledged space constraints and volatility in container shipping services.
Jenkins said the experience of 2025 has reshaped management priorities.
“The lessons learned in 2025 have strengthened our approach to cost control, customer engagement, and operational execution. With demand no longer our primary constraint, our focus in 2026 is on efficient execution, handling higher cargo volumes while protecting margins and sustaining profitability.”
Ports and Cargo Handling Services operates within Nigeria’s maritime sector as part of SIFAX Group’s logistics portfolio.
Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for 2026–2027 gives Africa’s largest economy a seat at the table where global shipping safety, security, and environmental rules are shaped.
For a country dependent on maritime trade, ports, and offshore resources, the position could influence policies that affect shipping costs, port reforms, and marine environmental protection.
Government commendation
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has praised the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, for his role in securing the victory.
In a letter dated 28 January 2026, Mr Oyetola described Dr Mobereola’s leadership as critical to Nigeria’s success at the IMO Council elections held in London.
Minister’s letter
According to a statement by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the minister highlighted the agency’s international engagement during the campaign.
In his words, Mr Oyetola said:
“Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests.
“The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community.
“As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation.”
Why Category C is strategic
Category C seats are reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or navigation.
NIMASA’s response
Dr Mobereola welcomed the commendation, describing the election as a collective achievement.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” he said.
He added that Nigeria must now justify the confidence placed in it by strengthening maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.
What’s next
With the council seat secured, attention now turns to how Nigeria will use its influence during the 2026–2027 biennium.
-
Crime5 days agoOyo Police Investigate Alleged Defilement of Six-year-old Girl in Ibadan
-
Politics6 days agoAPC Chief Eze Accuses FCT Minister Wike of Threats Over Stadium Use
-
Entertainment3 days agoOoni of Ife to Headline New Telegraph Awards Night in Lagos
-
Entertainment18 hours agoGirls Hostel YouTube Series Reopens Nigeria’s Boarding School Stories
-
Maritime19 hours agoNIMASA Shipbuilding Push: Agency Seeks Funding, Policy Support to Grow Nigeria’s Shipyards
-
Business &Economy4 days agoNigeria Customs Inspects Tsamiya–Segbana Border After Reopening for Transit Trade
-
Technology5 days agoNCC Opens Public Consultation to Review Nigeria’s 25-Year-Old Telecoms Policy
-
Crime3 days agoNDLEA Bonny Island Raid: Officer Killed as Six Suspects Arrested, Hard Drugs Seized
