SEREC Offers Solutions To Alleviate Congestion , Reform Container Deposit Practices In Nigeria’s Shipping Sector

SEREC Offers Solutions To Alleviate Congestion , Reform Container Deposit Practices In Nigeria’s Shipping Sector

Fwdr Dr Eugene Nweke 

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has released its end-of-month bulletin for May 2025, proposing comprehensive short- and long-term solutions to address the persistent gridlock at Nigeria’s busiest terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, and to reform container deposit refund practices across the nation’s maritime sector.

In a decisive move to restore operational efficiency in Nigeria’s shipping space, SEREC, under the leadership of maritime expert Eugene Nweke, has proffered practical strategies to ease congestion caused by the accumulation of laden and empty containers at the ports.

Resolving the Logjam at APM Terminals

SEREC’s short-term recommendations focus on immediate decongestion of the port. These include the prompt discharge of incoming laden containers, limiting the acceptance of empty containers until the existing stock is cleared, and providing real-time updates to truck operators and other stakeholders involved in port operations.

For sustainable impact, SEREC’s long-term plan advocates stronger collaboration with shipping lines to boost the evacuation rate of empty containers. Suggested measures include improving tracking systems, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing equipment for efficient container handling.

The organization further calls for the establishment of a national policy regulating the management of empty containers to prevent indiscriminate dumping and abandonment across the country.

To align with global best practices, SEREC recommends adopting real-time tracking systems, leveraging automation and data analytics, and replacing traditional container deposit payments with insurance schemes or collective funds managed by regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

Tackling Delays in Container Deposit Refunds

SEREC also addressed a recurring grievance in the industry: the delayed refund of container deposits by shipping lines. The center is advocating for a comprehensive regulatory framework that would enforce prompt refunds and penalize defaulters.

In addition to regulation, SEREC emphasizes the need for industry-wide standards for deposit administration, the deployment of automated refund systems, and transparent engagement with all stakeholders. The adoption of alternative schemes—like insurance-backed systems—was also suggested to ease the financial strain on shippers and freight forwarders.

Call for Industry Collaboration

According to Eugene Nweke, the successful implementation of these measures requires synergy between port operators, shipping lines, government regulators, and private stakeholders.

“SEREC is committed to fostering dialogue and providing research-backed solutions that can transform the Nigerian maritime landscape,” Nweke said. “These interventions, if adopted, will reduce congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure a fairer, more transparent shipping environment.”

The bulletin marks a significant contribution by SEREC toward addressing chronic inefficiencies in Nigeria’s port operations, signaling a proactive approach to maritime reform at a critical juncture for the nation’s trade and logistics sector.