Operators Cite Slow Import Activity Across Ports

As the Christmas season nears, licensed agents in Nigeria’s maritime sector have reported a significant slowdown in import activity, with declines ranging from 40 to over 50 per cent. Some industry players estimate reductions as high as 80 per cent, while others place the drop between 63 and 70 per cent.

In separate interviews on Sunday, Mr. Pius Ujubuonu, former interim National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, explained that multiple factors have contributed to the slowdown.

“No doubt, cargo throughput has dropped significantly, mainly due to foreign exchange challenges. As of August, importation fell by about 62 to 65 per cent, and it may have dropped further to around 65 to 70 per cent in the past few months,” Ujubuonu said.

He also highlighted planning issues and inconsistent government policies as key obstacles. “Importation is influenced by decisions made months in advance. Policy somersaults, especially in fiscal and trade regulations, have impacted imports more than infrastructure issues,” he noted. Ujubuonu warned that importation levels could fall even further.

Emeka Okonkwo, former Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, agreed that imports have slowed but suggested the decline is less severe. “Importation has dropped, but not as much as 80 per cent. The fall is likely between 40 and 50 per cent. Normally, imports rise during Christmas, but limited liquidity and reduced consumer demand are affecting operations,” he said.

Mr. Ugochukwu Nnadi, a member of the Elders of Maritime Agents and Associations, also confirmed the slowdown. “Import activity is very low. Most shipping companies have only one or two ships berthing until year-end. Ports are no longer congested as they used to be, and uncertainties around government tax policies are making importers cautious. Compared to previous years, activity has dropped by over 80 per cent,” Nnadi explained.

In contrast, Mr. Frank Ogunojemite, National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, disputed claims of declining imports. “There is no drop. Importation has actually increased, considering rising freight charges from China. If imports were down, shipping rates would have fallen. My data indicates the market is stronger this year than last,” he said.

The slowdown in maritime imports reflects wider challenges in Nigeria’s automobile market. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data show that passenger car imports fell sharply, reflecting weaker consumer purchasing power and lower transport sector activity.

According to NBS foreign trade data, passenger vehicle imports in the first half of 2025 totaled ₦479.26bn, down 9.69 per cent from ₦530.67bn in the same period of 2024. The downward trend has continued since 2023, when total imports fell from ₦1.47tn to ₦1.26tn in 2024, a 14.29 per cent drop.

Quarterly data show imports in Q1 2025 at ₦224.58bn and Q2 at ₦254.67bn, compared with ₦238.73bn and ₦291.93bn in the same quarters of 2024, underscoring the persistent slowdown. Dealers and analysts cite foreign exchange constraints, high import duties, and declining consumer purchasing power as key factors making car ownership increasingly unaffordable for households and businesses.