Nigeria’s Export Crisis: 1,000 Containers Trapped at Apapa Port
Nigeria’s business community is currently facing a growing crisis as over 1,000 export containers remain trapped at Apapa Port. This situation has raised concerns among exporters and industry stakeholders, who are worried about the impact on the country’s economy and trade relations.
According to reports, the containers, which mostly carry perishable goods, have been stuck due to a lack of available vessels to transport them out of the country. The issue has been linked to recent developments in global shipping routes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which was recently reopened. This has disrupted the usual flow of cargo and created bottlenecks at key ports.
Juliana Saka, the Head of Complaints at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), highlighted the situation during a media luncheon in Lagos. She explained that while there were originally 1,800 export containers at the port, 800 have already been exported, leaving 1,000 still waiting. Saka mentioned that the NSC has engaged with shipping lines and the Shippers Association of Nigeria in a tripartite meeting to address the issue.
“Before now, shipping companies often complained about returning empty from Nigeria. But now, they have more exports but not enough vessels to take them out,” she said. “They are facing congestion, and the NSC is also looking into this issue.”
Saka emphasized that the problem is particularly acute for exports destined for African nations and the Far East. These shipments have faced delays due to rescheduling and other logistical challenges. She also warned that if the goods in the containers arrive at their destination in a spoiled condition, the shipping lines could be held liable for the costs.
Lawal Lekan, Managing Director of LWL Concept and an exporter, pointed to the war between the United States and Iran as a major factor behind the vessel shortage. He explained that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had a significant impact on shipping routes, especially those involving Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is the root cause of this issue,” Lekan said. “Nigeria has strong trade ties with the Middle East and China, which is why many of the trapped containers are heading through that region.”
Femi Anifowose, Zonal Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, noted that shipping companies have long been criticized for not taking back exports. Instead, they often leave empty containers at ports, contributing to congestion.
“If you come to this country with 1,000 containers, you should go back with another 1,000,” Anifowose said. “Exporters are losing money, and if a container is carrying perishable goods, it can spoil quickly. This creates a serious financial burden for businesses.”
He urged government agencies, including the NSC, to take action to resolve the issue. “The problem isn’t just about containers; it’s about the broader implications for Nigeria’s economy and trade,” he added.
Yinka Bakare, National President of the National Association of Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators, highlighted that the issue is not limited to Apapa Port but affects the entire West African region. He noted that the delay in exporting perishable goods like cashew and soya has led to significant losses.
“We are talking about losses in the order of N20bn or more,” Bakare said. “This is a critical issue that needs urgent attention.”
Frank Ogunojemite, President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, called the situation a serious concern. He warned that the delays undermine Nigeria’s export drive and weaken confidence among international buyers.
“Nigeria cannot afford delays that discourage non-oil exports and hinder economic growth,” Ogunojemite said. He urged all stakeholders, including shipping lines and regulatory agencies, to work together to resolve the bottlenecks and ensure the immediate evacuation of the affected containers.
The situation at Apapa Port highlights the need for coordinated efforts to improve logistics and streamline trade processes. With the right interventions, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of such crises and support its growing export sector.
