NAGAFF on Collision Course with MSC Shipping Over Lack of Holding Bays, Empty Container Returns
NAGAFF logo
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, through its National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, under the Office of the Founder, has accused the Mediterranean Shipping Company, MSC Shipping of allegedly turning haulage trucks into temporary holding bays by failing to receive empty containers promptly from freight forwarders.
NAGAFF made the allegation in a letter dated August 6, 2026, addressed to MSC Nigeria, in which it expressed concern over what it described as persistent hardship being inflicted on freight forwarders, importers and haulage operators through the prevailing empty-container return process.
The letter was copied to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC and six other relevant stakeholders.
According to the association, freight forwarders and haulage operators often encounter difficulties returning empty containers after delivering import cargo, particularly when designated holding bays are either unavailable or unable to receive the containers.
NAGAFF alleged that the situation effectively forces haulage trucks to serve as temporary storage facilities for empty containers, thereby tying down trucks for days or weeks and preventing transporters from deploying their vehicles for other jobs.
The association said the development imposes significant financial losses on haulage operators, while simultaneously exposing freight forwarders and importers to mounting container detention charges.
NAGAFF further contended that the inability or alleged refusal of shipping lines to receive empty containers promptly contributes to congestion around port access roads, as trucks remain immobilised while waiting for designated facilities to accept the containers.
The association described as unacceptable a situation where customers are allegedly charged detention fees for delays arising from the inability of shipping lines to receive their own empty containers.
“It is fundamentally unjust for a shipping line to refuse to receive its empty Container while simultaneously charging customers for failing to return that same container. No person or organization should profit from a delay it deliberately creates,” NAGAFF stated.
The association consequently demanded the immediate cessation of what it described as the unfair and fraudulent imposition of empty-container detention charges on freight forwarders and importers where delays are attributable to the shipping lines’ failure to provide adequate arrangements for receiving empty containers.
It also called on shipping lines to provide sufficient and functional holding bays capable of receiving empty containers without unnecessary delays, in accordance with applicable regulations and port operating requirements.
Beyond the suspension of the charges, NAGAFF demanded a refund of detention fees already collected in circumstances where customers were unable to return empty containers because the designated receiving facilities were unavailable or inaccessible.
The association called for an urgent review of the empty-container return system, saying such a review would help eliminate avoidable delays, reduce the number of immobilised haulage trucks, ease pressure on port access roads and promote greater efficiency and transparency in Nigeria’s port operations.
Join Diaspora Networks
NAGAFF warned that continued failure to address the situation could compel the association to pursue all lawful avenues available to protect the interests of freight forwarders, importers and haulage operators.
It said such actions could include other legitimate measures aimed at bringing what it described as a long-standing injustice to an end.
“This current system is unsustainable and detrimental to trade facilitation, Port efficiency and the ease of doing business in Nigeria. It must end immediately,” the association stated.
