SEREC Unveils Strategic Measures to Ease Port Congestion and Overhaul Container Deposit Systems in Nigeria
The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has released its May 2025 end-of-month bulletin, unveiling a comprehensive set of short- and long-term strategies to tackle the persistent congestion at APM Terminals Apapa and reform Nigeria’s container deposit refund practices.
According to SEREC, the proposed measures are designed to restore operational efficiency within the nation’s shipping industry and promote a more transparent, technology-driven maritime environment.
Clearing the Logjam at APM Terminals
In the short term, SEREC recommends swift actions to decongest the ports. These include ensuring the immediate discharge of incoming laden containers, temporarily restricting the intake of empty containers until current backlogs are cleared, and providing real-time updates to truck operators and other port users.
For long-term improvement, the centre emphasizes collaboration between port authorities, shipping lines, and logistics operators to enhance the evacuation rate of empty containers. It also proposes expanding container storage capacity, upgrading handling equipment, and improving digital tracking systems to support smoother operations.
Additionally, SEREC advocates for the development of a national policy on empty container management to curb indiscriminate dumping and abandonment across the country’s logistics chain.
To align with international best practices, SEREC calls for the adoption of real-time tracking technologies, increased automation and data analytics, and the replacement of conventional deposit systems with insurance-based or collectively managed financial schemes overseen by regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
Reforming Container Deposit Refund Practices
Addressing the widespread issue of delayed container deposit refunds, SEREC highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework that ensures timely refunds and enforces penalties for defaulters.
The organization further recommends the establishment of industry-wide standards for deposit administration, the deployment of automated refund systems, and the promotion of transparent stakeholder communication. SEREC also suggests exploring insurance-backed alternatives to ease the financial burden on shippers and freight forwarders.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
SEREC’s Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, emphasized that the successful execution of these proposals depends on strong synergy among shipping lines, terminal operators, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
“SEREC remains committed to advancing evidence-based solutions that will reshape the Nigerian maritime landscape,” Nweke said. “If these interventions are implemented, they will significantly reduce congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a more equitable and transparent shipping ecosystem.”
The bulletin represents a proactive step by SEREC in addressing long-standing inefficiencies within Nigeria’s port operations and underscores the organization’s commitment to driving sustainable reform in the nation’s maritime and logistics sectors.