Clearing agents have protested Grimaldi Shipping Company’s decision to raise the fee for Personal Identification Number (PIN) release to N25,000. They argue that the increase will negatively affect importers. The PIN is used for shipments that lack an original bill of lading; it is sent from the port of origin to the importer and serves as proof of ownership to clear cargo at the destination port.
In a circular dated January 24, 2023, Grimaldi Shipping Company—a subsidiary of Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited—announced that, effective February 1, the PIN release charge would be N25,000 per bill of lading. The notice explained that, “as our customers are aware of inflationary challenges in the business environment, we are forced to adjust our charges towards PIN release service… you may continue to secure release submission of the original bill of lading, which is at no extra cost.”
Clearing agents, speaking separately on Wednesday, said the fee is not mandatory for importers who may not need it and that other shipping lines charge considerably less. Deputy President of the National Association of Government‑Approved Freight Forwarders, Ugochukwu Nnadi, noted that the fee had previously been under N10,000. “Why would shipping companies ask such a person to pay so much money?” he asked, adding that they have written to the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria without receiving a response. Nnadi pointed out that while other carriers charge between N7,000 and N12,000, Grimaldi’s N25,000 fee is “outrageous” and that no shipping company has the right to demand payment before releasing cargo.
Freight forwarder George Okafor confirmed the increase, saying, “Yes, there is an additional charge of N25,000 and we are in dialogue with Grimaldi on that issue. It used to be N10,000.” A staff member from Mediterranean Shipping Company, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the charge covers documentation costs and ranges from N7,000 to N10,000, emphasizing that the PIN is essential proof of ownership and clearance from the port of origin.
Attempts to obtain comment from Grimaldi Shipping Company officials were unsuccessful.
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