Walking the Talk: CRFFN Tackles Maersk Shipping Line Over 15-day Return Policy for Empty Containers

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) is “walking the talk” as far as it’s regulatory role is concerned in the freight forwarding industry of Nigeria blue economy sector.

The Council has swung to action to defend Freight Forwarding Companies, Freight Forwarding Associations, Haulage Companies, Warehouse Operators Courier Service Operators and all Logistics Service Providers by kicking against the 15 days return policy for empty containers which was recently introduced my Maersk Nigeria Limited.

DAILY TREND recalled that the Maersk Line had on Tuesday October 28, 2025 imposed a new policy on Nigerian freight forwarders to the fact that, any release agency that gates out a container and fails to return it within 15 days , such will be blocked from conducting further business with Maersk.

In a circular dated 30th October 2025 signed by the Director, Regulation and Enforcement of the Council, Mr Benson Ojumah, the Council directed Maersk Line to suspend the implementation of this policy pending due consultation with industry stakeholders and the CRFFN.

In the circular titled; GUIDELINE ON EMPTY CONTAINER RETURN POLICY AND COMPLIANCE WITH FREIGHT FORWARDERS’ STANDARQ TRADING CONDITIONS (STCs), the freight forwarding regulatory agency wrote that
“The attention of the Council has been drawn to a notice issued by Maersk Nigeria Limited announcing a unilateral implementation of a 15-day return policy for empty containers, with a threat to block release agencies that fail to comply. The Council has formally written to Maersk Line to suspend the implementation of this policy pending due consultation with industry stakeholders and the CRFFN.

“Accordingly, all freight forwarding companies, logistics operators, and licensed agencies are hereby directed to:

1. Maintain full compliance with existing Freight Forwarders’ Standard Trading Conditions (STCs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) governing container management and retums.

2. Refsain from taking unilateral actions or signing new obligations that contravene the Ceuncil’s regulatory framework pending resolution of this matter.

3. Ensure 100% adherence to professional conduct and operational standards to avoid infractions ard preserve the integrity of the freight forwarding profession.

“The Courcil remains committed to protecting the collective interest of operators and ensuring fair, transparent, and consultative decision-making processes in Nigeria’s freight logistics ecosystem”