Grimaldi clarifies empty container sale process

Grimaldi Agency Nigeria has strongly refuted reports that it sold 2,500 empty shipping containers, labeling such claims as false and factually unsupported. The company issued a statement clarifying its position on the sale of empty containers, emphasizing that the transactions were conducted strictly under their "international customs status," commonly known as a foreign customs position.

The agency stated that the containers were not transferred as domesticated equipment intended for use within Nigeria. Grimaldi stressed that the terms of sale were explicitly outlined in the documentation provided to purchasers. Invoices clearly indicated that the containers were being sold in a foreign customs position, and buyers were expected to use them solely for the international carriage of goods without altering their original customs status.

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The terms of the sale were clearly outlined in the documentation provided to the purchaser. The invoice expressly stated that the containers were being transferred in foreign customs position and that the buyer was meant to use the equipment solely for international carriage of goods without altering their original customs status.

This clarification comes amid reports from The PUNCH, which cited the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria condemning Grimaldi Agency Nigeria's advertisement of empty containers for sale in U.S. dollars. The association described the move as a direct affront to Nigeria's economic stability and a contradiction of the Federal Government's "Renewed Hope Agenda."

Further complicating the issue, a report quoted Mr. Okey Ibeke, Principal Consultant at International Trade Advisory Service, suggesting that Nigeria might have lost approximately N600 billion over the past 30 years due to the sale of empty containers by some shipping companies. Grimaldi, however, maintains that any procedures required to regularize or domesticate the containers for local use would be the sole responsibility and expense of the buyer, aligning with established international shipping practices.

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