Shipping agents in Nigeria are pushing for clearer laws and a transparent auction system for abandoned cargo to boost revenue, cut disputes, and restore confidence in port operations.
The Association of Shipping Lines Agents of Nigeria, led by Mrs Boma Alabi, said gaps in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 create uncertainty over “overtime cargo” rules, timelines, and disposal procedures. She warned that current practices—like issuing direct auction allocation letters at fixed values without competitive bidding—could favor a select few and encourage revenue losses.
Alabi called for *open, competitive, and auditable auctions, along with a review of cost-recovery and revenue-sharing models to reflect real operational costs. She stressed that *transparency is key to preventing fraud, litigation, and systemic risks while ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with customs authorities to improve port efficiency, protect government revenue, and strengthen operational standards.
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