Rising Cargo Clearance Costs Due to Port Corruption

The Patriots Anti-Corruption Initiative has reported that alleged extortion, cargo clearance delays, and bureaucratic bottlenecks at Nigerian ports are significantly increasing the costs of moving goods. National President Okogbue Eke stated that delays in delivery order issuance, container examination, and cargo release are imposing extra costs on port users.

He claimed customs agents are being forced to make unofficial payments to expedite cargo clearance, citing an instance where an agent paid N30,000 for an earlier examination date. A study by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) revealed that corruption raises transport and logistics costs for bulk imports into Nigeria by 15.2%, amounting to $162.9 million annually.

Eke urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Nigeria Customs Service to investigate these practices. Vice National President Okwuosa Humphrey accused shipping companies of delaying electronic transmission of delivery orders, which can lead to additional demurrage charges.

The initiative called for accountability among shipping companies to alleviate the financial burden on importers.