In a statement made available to Vanguard, APFFLON National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said many importers were unable to return empty containers within the stipulated period because shipping companies failed to provide adequate receiving facilities, forcing them to incur additional costs. He accused the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) of persistently failing to provide sufficient facilities for the return of empty containers, creating bottlenecks that delay cargo movement, slow truck turnaround and worsen congestion around the Apapa port corridor. “It is unacceptable for a shipping company to continue issuing containers to importers without providing an efficient system for receiving the empty containers after use. This operational failure has become a major contributor to congestion at Apapa and is inflicting enormous financial hardship on importers, freight forwarders and transport operators,” he said. He added: “Why should importers be punished financially for a problem created by the shipping company?