Clearing Agents Resist Shipping Firm’s Sale Of Empty Containers In Dollars

Clearing agents operating in the nation’s seaports have kicked against a major shipping firm’s policy of selling empty containers exclusively in United States dollars, warning it could exacerbate forex shortages and inflate import costs for Nigerian businesses.

The president of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, who spoke on behalf of the agents, condemned the recent advertisement by Grimaldi Agency Nigeria offering empty containers for sale in United States Dollars.

Ogunojemite described the move as a direct affront to Nigeria’s economic stability and a contradiction to the federal government’s agenda.

He, however, argued that it was deeply disturbing that a company operating within Nigeria would choose to denominate local transactions in a foreign currency at a time when the federal government was intensifying efforts to stabilise the Nigerian economy and strengthen the Naira.

He further argued that the sale of empty containers, assets physically located within Nigeria, had no justification whatsoever to be priced in US Dollars, adding that this form of dollarisation of domestic transactions was economically disruptive, anti-local content, and clearly out of tune with the realities faced by Nigerian businesses, importers and freight forwarders who earn revenues in Naira.

“APFFLON views this development as an act capable of sabotaging the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic recovery, currency stabilisation, and reduction of dependence on foreign exchange. If unchecked, such practices will continue to erode the value of the Naira and weaken the resilience of Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector.

“We therefore call on the federal government, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to immediately intervene by enforcing strict compliance with policies that mandate the use of Naira for all local transactions. Regulatory clarity and enforcement are urgently required to prevent further economic distortions.

“Furthermore, APFFLON urges all industry stakeholders to act responsibly and align their business practices with national economic priorities. Nigeria’s economic recovery is a collective responsibility, and no operator should engage in actions that undermine the country’s financial sovereignty.

”The association remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian and ensuring that the maritime industry contributes positively to national development”, Ogunojemite assured.

LEADERSHIP sighted an advertisement purportedly issued by the management of Grimaldi Agency Nigeria offering containers for sale to Nigeria at USD 2,000 for 40ft containers and USD 1,600 for 20ft containers, a development APFFLON condemned and tagged economic sabotage.

When the company was contacted to confirm the said advertisement,  a staff member of the shipping firm, who requested anonymity, said that clearing agents pay freight in dollars and are not under any obligation to purchase from them.

“How does that affect the interests of clearing agents? It shouldn’t be an issue. We should focus on more germane issues affecting the sector,” she said.