Customs agents threaten protest over alleged manifest manipulation by shipping firms

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) is poised to protest alleged manifest manipulation by shipping companies, warning of significant disruptions to port operations and the Nigerian economy. The agents accuse major firms, including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Hapag-Lloyd, of practices that hinder importers and customs agents while fostering corruption.

Former ANLCA Vice President Kayode Farinto detailed the alleged scheme: shipping companies submit electronic manifests indicating all containers will be discharged in Nigeria. However, only a portion is offloaded, with the remainder sent to transshipment hubs like Cotonou or Ivory Coast. When these containers later arrive in Nigeria on different vessels, they are treated as overdue or abandoned cargo because the original manifest has already been processed.

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The bills of lading become blocked, making it impossible for importers or their agents to process declarations electronically. At that point, physical intervention becomes necessary, and that is where corruption begins to thrive.

"The bills of lading become blocked, making it impossible for importers or their agents to process declarations electronically. At that point, physical intervention becomes necessary, and that is where corruption begins to thrive," Farinto explained. He urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to investigate these companies, citing the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the service to sanction firms submitting inaccurate manifests.

Farinto issued a two-week ultimatum, stating, "If this issue is not addressed within two weeks, Nigerians will begin to see the other side of the story. I am tired of receiving complaints from our members about the level of extortion associated with this practice." An MSC official stated they were unaware of the allegations and requested more details for an official response, while Hapag-Lloyd declined to comment.

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If this issue is not addressed within two weeks, Nigerians will begin to see the other side of the story. I am tired of receiving complaints from our members about the level of extortion associated with this practice.