The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has strongly condemned the decision by Grimaldi Agency Nigeria to advertise the sale of empty containers in United States Dollars, describing the move as a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and a contradiction of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued by its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, APFFLON said it was deeply troubling that a company operating within Nigeria would denominate local transactions in a foreign currency at a time when authorities are working to stabilise the Naira and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market.
The association argued that the sale of empty containers, assets physically located within Nigeria should not, under any circumstance, be priced in dollars. It warned that such practices amount to the dollarisation of domestic transactions, which it described as economically disruptive, anti-local content, and insensitive to the realities of Nigerian importers and freight forwarders who earn in Naira.
APFFLON further cautioned that if left unchecked, the trend could undermine ongoing economic reforms, weaken confidence in the local currency, and erode the resilience of Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector.
Calling for urgent intervention, the association urged the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to enforce strict compliance with policies mandating the use of the Naira for all local transactions. It stressed that regulatory clarity and enforcement are critical to preventing further distortions in the economy.
APFFLON also called on industry stakeholders to align their operations with national economic priorities, noting that Nigeria’s recovery depends on collective responsibility and adherence to policies that protect the country’s financial sovereignty.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian freight forwarders and ensuring that the maritime sector contributes meaningfully to national development.