Despite Shippers Council’s Intervention, Police Still Stopping Cleared Cargoes At Seaports

Despite the intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to end the incessant detention of already-cleared cargoes, especially containerised consignments, the Maritime Command of the Nigeria Police Force continues to issue indiscriminate Detention Orders (DOs) to shipping companies, resulting in delays for cargo that has already been cleared at the seaports, LEADERSHIP reports.

Recall that the NSC had last month organised training for the Maritime Police Command to end indiscriminate detention orders on already cleared cargoes, saying persistent police interference, particularly through the frequent issuance of detention orders, is the primary cause of delays at seaports.

Speaking at the maiden edition of a workshop on “Facilitating Port Efficiency: The Strategic Role of Maritime Police,” the executive secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, stated that the frequent issuance of detention orders on cargo by officials of the Nigeria Police Maritime Command is disrupting cargo dwell time and exacerbating delays.

However, speaking to LEADERSHIP, the chairman Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Boma Alabi, said the Maritime Command still issue indiscriminate detention orders to Shipping Companies.
Alabi who criticised the constant and disruptive interference by the Marine Police, said they routinely instruct shipping lines to halt the release of cargo to consignees.

She however, called for a definitive protocol from Police authorities, insisting that checks should be conducted at the terminal during cargo examination rather than through arbitrary stop orders that create confusion and delay.

While commending the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, for recent improvements at the ports, Alabi noted that much more work remains to be done.
The association also urged the government to streamline regulatory oversight, arguing that excessive layers of control hinder the ease of doing business and weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness.

It appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to harmonise its clearing procedures and ensure all new policies are piloted before full implementation to prevent demurrage costs that importers and exporters currently face due to abrupt or unclear directives.

Alabi further requested that Customs obtain court orders before auctioning overtime cargoes, in line with due process and to safeguard the rights of importers.