2nd November, 2010
Against the backdrop of indiscriminate detention of ships by the Nigerian Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), major shipping lines and their agents operating under the aegis of the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) have announced the suspension of shipping of used electronics destined for Nigeria.
The implication of this is that any Nigerian that intends to import used electronic items such as television sets, radio, DVD players and I-pods, even as personal effects from any part of the world, may not be able to find a shipping line to convey his consignment into the country.
It is estimated that an average of 2,000 TEUs (twenty equivalent units containers) of used electronics items are imported into Nigeria through the major shipping lines monthly.
A statement signed by the Chairman of SAN, Mr. Val Usifoh, stated that shipping lines, through their agents, have suspended the shipping of second hand electronics pending full and final official clarification on the guidelines regarding the importation of second-hand electronics into Nigeria.
The statement disclosed that shipping lines and SAN do not support the transportation of toxic wastes of any kind, and will continue to cooperate with the relevant government authorities.
“As reported in the media in recent weeks, a number of container vessels have been detained in Nigerian Ports following the instructions of NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency) for allegedly bringing toxic waste into Nigeria. Our members have viewed with great concern the detention of these vessels.
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