SEREC seeks probe of alleged N6,000 container levy

The Sea Empowerment & Research Centre (SEREC) is calling for a comprehensive documentary and regulatory investigation into an alleged N6,000 charge imposed per container at Nigerian ports. The organization also seeks an inquiry into reported demands for a refund of approximately N178 million related to unapproved charges for bonded terminals, empty container returns, holding bay capacity, and truck immobilization.

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The investigation should establish whether the charge was actually imposed, “who introduced or authorised it, the specific service it was meant to cover and whether payment was mandatory or voluntary.”

SEREC, in a statement signed by its Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, outlined specific questions for the investigation. These include establishing whether the N6,000 charge was indeed imposed, who authorized it, the services it was intended to cover, and if payment was mandatory or voluntary. The center also wants to know if the charge was part of the official terminal tariff and reflected in official invoices or receipts.

Furthermore, SEREC aims to identify the individuals or entities that collected or benefited from these funds. The investigation should also verify accounting records supporting the N178 million in alleged unapproved charges and clarify any involvement of associations in collecting or administering these funds. SEREC urges authorities to determine if the charge was imposed without authorization and to take appropriate remedial action if so.

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A compulsory charge should correspond to an identifiable service, facility, statutory obligation or legitimate contractual entitlement. The basic chain should be – service rendered, approved basis, transparent charge, official invoice, traceable payment and accountable beneficiary.

The center emphasized that any compulsory charge should correspond to a clearly defined service, facility, statutory obligation, or legitimate contractual entitlement. It outlined a basic chain of accountability: service rendered, approved basis, transparent charge, official invoice, traceable payment, and accountable beneficiary.

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fees for documentation, handling, storage, access, truck movement, delivery and other logistics processes can accumulate into a substantial share of cargo landed costs.

SEREC also expressed concern over the cumulative effect of numerous minor charges at Nigerian ports, noting that fees for documentation, handling, storage, access, and truck movement can significantly increase cargo landed costs. The organization warned that terminal operations should not become a vehicle for imposing unauthorized charges, as informal payment systems can lead to preferential treatment, deliberate delays, service manipulation, and other operational inefficiencies. SEREC recommended that terminals provide necessary documentation and that their charges and service standards be periodically reviewed.

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terminal operations must not become a means of imposing parallel or unauthorised charges, noting that informal payment systems could foster preferential treatment, deliberate delays, service manipulation, rent-seeking and other operational inefficiencies.