Agents slam shipping line over dollarised empty container sales

The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria has condemned the recent advertisement by Grimaldi Agency Nigeria offering empty containers for sale in United States dollars, describing the move as a direct affront to Nigeria’s economic stability and a contradiction to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The association expressed its reservation in a statement on Monday, signed by its President, Frank Ogunojemite, obtained by The PidomNigeria.

In a notice seen by our correspondent on Monday, Grimaldi Shipping Company, one of the shipping lines operating in the nation’s maritime sector, stated, “Our principals have released another batch of high-quality empty containers at an unbeatable price.”

According to the notice, the company stated that a 40-foot empty container will be sold for 2,000, while a 20-foot container is priced at 1,600.

“Whether you are expanding your storage capacity, scaling logistics operations, or reselling, this is a limited-time opportunity you don’t want to miss. Enjoy an extra discount when bulk buying in a single transaction.

Bigger volume, better savings,” Grimaldi stated in the notice.

Reacting to this advertisement, Ogunojemite emphasised that at a critical time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to stabilise the Nigerian economy and strengthen the naira, “it is deeply concerning that a company operating within Nigeria would choose to denominate local transactions in a foreign currency.”

“This practice not only places undue pressure on the already strained foreign exchange market but also undermines national policies designed to promote confidence in the naira,” Ogunojemite said.

The APFFLON highlighted that the sale of empty container assets physically located within Nigeria has no justification whatsoever to be priced in United States dollars.

Ogunojemite warned that this form of dollarisation of domestic transactions is economically disruptive, anti-local content, and clearly out of tune with the realities faced by Nigerian businesses, importers, and freight forwarders who earn revenues in naira.

The APFFLON boss maintained that the association views the development as an act capable of sabotaging the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, “particularly its focus on economic recovery, currency stabilisation, and reduction of dependence on foreign exchange.”

“If unchecked, such practices will continue to erode the value of the naira and weaken the resilience of Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector,” he said.

Ogunojemite called on the Federal Government, Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to immediately intervene by enforcing strict compliance with policies that mandate the use of naira for all local transactions.

“Regulatory clarity and enforcement are urgently required to prevent further economic distortions,” Ogunojemite added.

He urged industry stakeholders to act responsibly and align their business practices with national economic priorities, adding that Nigeria’s economic recovery is a collective responsibility, stressing that no operator should engage in actions that undermine the country’s financial sovereignty.

“The association remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians and ensuring that the maritime industry contributes positively to national development,” Ogunojemite concluded.