ANLCA Kicks Against Maersk Line Relocating Lagos Office to Victoria Island, Calls Out Shippers Council

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has kicked against frontline shipping company; Maersk Nigeria relocating its Lagos office to Victoria Island.

Maersk Line had recently announced in a statement that it is relocating its Lagos office to a new business address as part of its ongoing strategic efforts to expand services and provide better support to its customers and partners.

According to a statement by the company, the new office is at 1226 Bishop Oluwole, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The company also said activities will commence at the location by January 2, 2025.

Speaking with DAILY TREND on Friday, Zonal Coordinator West of ANLCA, Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe kicked against the move, even as he urged the Nigerian Shippers Council to stop the company from taking such action.

According to him, it would be difficult for clearing agents to be shuttling Apapa and Victoria Island with their document, considering the transportation cost, especially on emergency purposes like network failures among other challenges inside the port.

“Why would Maersk Line be moving its office to Victoria Island? Knowing fully well the economic hardship in the country. They were formerly on the island at St Nicholas before coming to Burmer Road in Apapa.

“Every other shipping company is located in Apapa so that they can be accessed easily. Now that Maersk line has decided to relocate, how much are we charging on cargoes that we should still waste so much transportation to and from their office.

“When there is no network to release cargoes, it is easier to access shipping companies in Apapa” he said.

He berated the Nigerian Shippers Council for not living up to expectations, saying that “Shippers Council is supposed to protect port users, they are not supposed to allow Maersk Line move to Lagos, it would make cargo clearance difficult for the clearing agents”

Meanwhile, Maersk Nigeria had assured customers that the Lagos counter will remain in Apapa, situated at the APM Terminals, Apapa facility within the Lagos Port Complex, and will be active by December 30, 2024.

“The company emphasised that the quality of its services and commitment to customers will not be negatively impacted by this move.

“For any communications, shipments, or correspondences henceforth, please use the new address listed above. Should you have any questions regarding our relocation or if you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us on 02017002100, 02012279176 or via email at [email protected]. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to serving you from our new locations,” Maersk said in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.