The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has sounded a strong warning against persistent police interference in cargo clearance processes at the nation’s seaports, describing the practice as a significant obstacle to efficiency, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime economy.
Speaking at a one-day training programme for maritime police officers and security stakeholders in Lagos, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, represented by Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director of Regulatory Services, lamented that the actions of police formations have disrupted cargo dwell time, inflated demurrage and storage charges, and ultimately raised the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
Stakeholders have repeatedly reported cases of intimidation of port operators, arbitrary detention orders on duly cleared cargoes, and obstruction of cargo exit from terminals.
According to Akutah, NSC investigations confirmed that such practices were often carried out without the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) being aware, raising concerns about unauthorised directives and abuse of power.
The Council disclosed that it had engaged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to streamline processes and curb the issuance of unauthorised letters by police officers.
In a directive dated December 11, 2018, the AIG, Maritime Police Command, instructed stakeholders to disregard any correspondence not signed by him or his nominated officers.
While progress has been made, Akutah stressed that infractions still occur, either deliberately or due to ignorance, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance and reform.
The training, themed “Facilitating Port Efficiency: The Strategic Role of the Police”, highlighted the delicate balance between security enforcement and trade facilitation.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Chinedu Oko, represented by ACP Olufikayo Fawole, emphasised that the Maritime Police is a specialised arm of the Nigeria Police Force tasked with securing maritime assets, combating cargo-related crimes, and ensuring smooth trade flows.
Fawole noted that Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime economy depends on safety, predictability, and stakeholder confidence at the ports. She stressed that evolving technologies, shifting criminal patterns, and international compliance requirements demand more innovative, proactive, and better-trained officers.
The AIG pledged the Police’s commitment to building a secure port system that supports national prosperity, economic stability, and Nigeria’s standing in global trade.