Customs agents threaten protest over alleged manifest manipulation by shipping firms

Customs agents in Nigeria have threatened to organize a protest against shipping companies they accuse of manipulating ship manifests, which they say undermines port efficiency and fuels corruption. Members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) warned that they will take public action unless the issue is resolved swiftly. They claim the manipulation affects the entire cargo clearance process and jeopardizes the country's economic stability. The dispute centers around claims made by former ANLCA Vice President, Kayode Farinto, who alleges that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Hapag-Lloyd engage in practices that hinder legitimate trade. According to Farinto, these companies submit electronic manifests stating that all containers on board will be discharged in Nigeria, yet only a fraction of the cargo is actually unloaded. The rest of the containers remain at transshipment points such as Cotonou or Côte d’Ivoire for further transport. When these unaccounted containers later arrive in Nigeria on different vessels, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) treats them as overdue or abandoned cargo due to the original manifest having been processed. This creates complications for importers and their agents, as the bills of lading become blocked, preventing electronic processing of declarations. As a result, physical interventions are required, which, according to Farinto, opens the door for corrupt practices to flourish. Farinto emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 grants the service authority to penalize shipping firms that provide false or misleading information. He called on the NCS to investigate the vessels operated by MSC and Hapag-Lloyd, stressing that failure to act within two weeks could lead to more severe consequences for Nigerian citizens. “I am tired of receiving complaints from our members about the level of extortion associated with this practice,” he stated. In response to the allegations, an MSC official named Dimeji Gbadebo informed Vanguard that he had not been made aware of the accusations and asked for specific details before commenting further. He assured that the company would release an official statement once it had reviewed the matter thoroughly. However, efforts to secure a comment from Hapag-L Lloyd were met with refusal, as a company representative claimed he was not authorized to speak publicly and directed inquiries to the firm’s Managing Director. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Nigerian customs authorities and international shipping firms operating in the region. These disputes often arise from discrepancies in documentation and procedures that can delay shipments and increase operational costs. While the exact extent of the alleged manipulations remains under investigation, the threat of a protest underscores the urgency with which the ANLCA views the issue. As the NCS prepares to respond, the broader implications of the controversy extend beyond immediate logistical concerns. If left unresolved, the allegations could erode trust between local customs agencies and foreign shipping operators, potentially affecting trade relations and economic growth. The outcome of this dispute will likely depend on how quickly and effectively the NCS addresses the concerns raised by its agents.