A fresh scandal has erupted in Nigeria’s maritime sector over alleged theft and diversion of empty containers at Unity Bonded Terminal, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos – an off-dock facility that handles returns on behalf of shipping giant, Maersk Nigeria Ltd.
The controversy, now before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, the House Committee on Shipping, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was triggered by a petition filed by a licensed customs agent, Ben Nwaudo, of Prime Agencies Nigeria Limited.
In the petition dated October 28, 2025, and submitted through his legal representatives, U&A Queen Ukadike & Associates, Nwaudo alleged that four empty containers he returned to Unity Bonded Terminal on behalf of Maersk “mysteriously disappeared” from the facility.
Despite police investigations and the reported arrest of some terminal staff, Nwaudo claimed no meaningful action has been taken by port regulators. Instead, he alleged, Maersk Line has continued to penalize his company by blocking it from conducting further business transactions.
The petition has reignited concerns about racketeering and weak oversight within Nigeria’s ports system, with stakeholders calling for a thorough probe to restore confidence in the maritime trade chain.
