The Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) has diverted cargo ships to other seaports in the country to ease record levels of congestion at the main port in Lagos, AFP reported.
They said the NPA told shipping companies late last month all container-carrying vessels would be denied entry into the Lagos port where dozens of other vessels were waiting to berth.
Industry sources said ships spend on average two-and-half weeks at sea before they dock, at a cost of US$20,000 dollars a day.
Vessels could now use the ports in southern Port Harcourt, Onne-Calabar and Warri in the volatile Niger Delta region.
But Nigerian importers have hit out at the decision.
"Diverting ships to eastern ports at the moment is not a wise decision considering the level of insecurity in that part of the country, including hostage-taking," their leader Jide Mike said.
He said manufacturers would have logistical problems clearing their goods from other ports and moving them overland to Lagos, the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria.
Last month, Nigerian freight and forwarding agents staged a two-day strike in protest at high charges and cargo congestion in Lagos.
Port activities ground to complete halt on the last day of the strike when dockworkers joined in solidarity with the customs agents.
Workers said over 85 oil tankers and cargo ships were waiting to berth at the Lagos port, while another batch of 70 ships on the high seas were destined for the same port.
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