By Seun Ibiyemi
A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s maritime sector as Principal Consultant, International Trade Advisory Services, Okey Ibeke, accused Grimaldi Agency Nigeria of violating customs regulations through the alleged sale of 2,500 shipping containers without proper conversion and payment of duties.
Ibeke, in a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, dismissed Grimaldi’s recent defence of the transaction, insisting that the company cannot hide under what he described as a non-existent “foreign customs status” to evade obligations under Nigerian law.
The maritime expert argued that once containers are physically located in Nigeria and transferred to Nigerian buyers, they automatically become subject to the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023 and must be converted from temporary imports to permanent imports before ownership can legally change hands.
According to him, Grimaldi’s claim that the containers were sold under a foreign customs arrangement and intended solely for international cargo operations does not absolve the company of liability.
“Grimaldi cannot contract out of Nigerian customs laws. Once possession changes hands in Nigeria, Customs presumes domestic use unless the containers are re-exported,” he stated.
The dispute stems from reports that Grimaldi allegedly offered thousands of empty containers for sale to local buyers, a move that generated criticism from freight forwarding groups and other stakeholders within the maritime industry.
Ibeke further challenged the company’s assertion that any customs duties arising from future conversion of the containers would be the responsibility of the buyers.
He argued that under the NCS Act and temporary importation guidelines, the original importer bears responsibility for applying for conversion, paying applicable duties and obtaining the necessary customs documentation before disposal of the containers.
“The buyers were never the original importers and therefore cannot legally carry out the conversion process.
The obligation remains with Grimaldi,” he maintained.
The maritime consultant also questioned the timing of Grimaldi’s response, noting that the company waited several weeks before publicly denying reports that it planned to sell 2,500 containers.
According to him, the delayed response raises concerns about the accuracy of earlier reports, adding that even if the quantity involved is disputed, the legality of the transaction remains the central issue.
He further demanded answers to several questions, including whether the company submitted details of buyers to Customs authorities, involved Customs valuation officers in the sales process, and ensured that the containers remained under customs control during the transaction.
READ ALSO:SIFAX Group backs green port agenda, reaffirms commitment to dockworkers’ welfare
Ibeke also alleged possible violations of regulations issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Central Bank of Nigeria, particularly regarding the reported use of dollar-denominated invoices for assets located within Nigeria.
He maintained that failure to properly convert the containers before sale could expose the company to customs duties, penalties and other sanctions under existing laws.
As part of his demands, Ibeke called on the Nigeria Customs Service to compel Grimaldi to provide a comprehensive record of all containers sold or disposed of in Nigeria since 2006, along with supporting customs documentation, proof of duty payments and details of buyers involved in the transactions.
“If they cannot produce the required records, then they should be held liable for the revenue and penalties arising from the transactions,” he said.
The allegations are expected to intensify scrutiny of container disposal practices within Nigeria’s shipping industry and could trigger further investigations by regulatory authorities.
