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The Head of Research at Sea Empowerment and Research Centre RGT, Dr Eugene Nweke, has stated that 40 per cent of containers operating within Nigeria’s shipping and port sector are either unsafe or in poor condition.
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH in Lagos, Nweke, a former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, emphasised the widespread presence of “rickety” and “unseaworthy” containers.
He pointed to high freight costs as a major factor behind the growing number of empty containers accumulating in Nigerian ports.
“The cost to return an empty container to its origin can range from $400 to $600, fueling extortion and malpractice at shipping lines’ release halls,” Nweke said.
He also highlighted how many bonded terminals have been repurposed into storage areas for empty containers.
Echoing Nweke’s concerns, the Head of the Shipping and Terminal Logistics Department of NAGAFF, Ugochukwu Nnadi, confirmed that many containers in circulation are outdated and substandard, noting the lack of proper inspection or regulation in Nigeria.
A former acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Dr Kayode Farinto, also acknowledged improvements but pointed out that expired containers remain a significant issue
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