A maritime industry consultant, Okey Ibeke, has urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to reassess plans surrounding the disposal of more than 2,500 empty shipping containers reportedly managed by Grimaldi Nigeria, stressing the need for strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
Ibeke made the recommendation on Monday during a roundtable session organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.
He explained that a review of the proposed exercise would help ensure compliance with customs regulations governing the temporary importation of containers and their eventual conversion for domestic use.
According to him, reports suggested that the containers could be sold for between 1,600 and 2,000 dollars each.
The consultant noted that Nigeria’s temporary importation policy allows shipping containers to enter the country without duties on the condition that they are returned abroad after use.
He stated that any container intended for local sale must first be converted from temporary to permanent import status through customs assessment and payment of the required duties, taxes and other statutory charges.
Ibeke emphasised that such a process is necessary before the containers can be lawfully sold within the country.
He added that compliance with established procedures would promote transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight and boost government revenue.
According to him, the duties and taxes payable on each container after conversion could amount to between 350 and 400 dollars.
With more than 2,500 containers reportedly involved, he said the proposed transaction underscored the need for proper documentation and strict observance of customs requirements.
Ibeke also pointed to broader challenges within the global shipping sector, including the growing cost of returning empty containers to export markets in Asia and Europe.
He observed that Nigeria’s trade imbalance has contributed significantly to the buildup of empty containers at seaports and inland facilities.
The consultant further noted that many retired containers have been repurposed over the years for uses such as offices, shops, storage units and security shelters.
He called for stronger cooperation between customs authorities, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders to improve monitoring mechanisms and ensure effective management of temporary import containers.
Ibeke also advocated a thorough review of import records and port exit documentation to improve accountability and support ongoing reforms in the maritime and logistics sectors.
He maintained that enhanced compliance and monitoring would contribute to greater operational efficiency, improved investor confidence and more effective revenue collection across the industry.