Maritime Police Investigative Holds Reach 15 Daily As Port Operators Warn Of Escalating Costs And Container Scarcity

Nigerian port operators report up to 15 daily Maritime Police holds, causing cargo delays and equipment shortages. Stakeholders seek faster resolution terms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 4:44 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

Shipping Lines Grapple With Frequent Cargo Interceptions

Nigeria’s port operations are facing intensified pressure as shipping companies and freight forwarders report a surge in investigative holds by the Maritime Police. During a recent stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, operators revealed that as many as 15 containers are flagged for investigation daily, a frequency that is significantly hampering cargo clearance. These interventions are reportedly eroding the predictability of key terminals, leading to increased logistics costs and a visible reduction in container availability for international shipping lines.

Freight Forwarders Cite Disruptions In Clearance Chain

Akeem Ayobiojo, Chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, Tin Can Chapter, highlighted a shift in how these holds are being implemented. While previous bottlenecks had been partially resolved, a new pattern involving the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has introduced fresh delays. Ayobiojo noted that these extended timelines not only disrupt the immediate flow of goods but also expose importers to excessive storage fees and the risk of cargo deterioration, particularly for time sensitive shipments.

Operational Impacts On Equipment And Turnaround Times

The Shipping Association of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the impact of random manifest selections on equipment circulation. Chairman Boma Alabi indicated that multiple daily directives to place containers on hold are stripping essential equipment from the system, making it difficult for lines to serve other customers. According to Alabi, the absence of defined timelines for resolving these investigations creates avoidable inefficiencies. While acknowledging the necessity of security, she urged authorities to implement faster resolution mechanisms to prevent boxes from being indefinitely tied down.