Clearing agents operating in the country’s maritime industry have reported that 85 percent of imported used vehicles are being vandalised by both shipping companies and terminal operators. Speaking separately with The in Lagos on Wednesday, the agents said the worsening situation has led to massive job losses, as most of their clients have stopped giving them work.
Remilekun Saliu, Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Tincan Island Chapter, told our correspondent that many agents have been arrested and brutalised over missing parts caused by the terminals and shipping companies. “A lot of professionals have lost valuable importers as a result of these problems,” he said. He explained that 85 percent of vehicle keys and sensors brought into the country in March by the vessel *Grande Cameroon* were stolen. Saliu added that agents have repeatedly written to terminal management with no action taken. “When *Grande Lagos* berthed on April 2, 70 percent of the vehicles discharged were vandalised. The majority lack keys, and the clearing agents bear the brunt,” he said.
Ugochukwu Nnadi, Deputy National President of the National Association of Government‑Approved Freight Forwarders, described the situation on the vessel *Grimaldi* as pilfering rather than vandalism. “They still have the keys, especially for these exotic cars that are controlled remotely. So, it is actually happening,” he noted.
Another clearing agent, identified only as Leke, reported that a 2020 Toyota Camry arriving via *Grande Cameroon* had its complete sensor key stolen. He said his complaints have yielded no response. “We are tired of the operation of Grimaldi regarding missing items. Seventy percent of vehicles in *Grande Cameroon* were missing sensors, and many parts were also missing on *Grande Lagos*. Importers fail to understand that it is not our fault; we can only deliver what the terminal provides. We plead with PTML management to strengthen security because we are losing importers daily,” he said.
In response, PTML General Manager Tunde Keshinro urged the agents to provide detailed information on the affected vehicles, stating that it would be difficult for him to act on mere allegations.
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