The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has expressed concern over what it termed arbitrary and unilateral increases in shipping fees by certain shipping companies operating at the Apapa ports in Lagos.
The concerns were conveyed in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council at Park Lane, Apapa, with a copy forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), Apapa.
The correspondence, titled “Administrative Overreach: The Non-Consensual and Arbitrary Increase of Shipping Charges in Breach of Established Procedure and Protocol,” was received on March 12 at approximately 2:30 p.m.
In response to the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, convened a meeting with NAGAFF leadership to discuss the matter.
Participants included Mr. Bert Okeke, Secretary and representative of NAGAFF Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko; Mr. Uche Nwabude, Operational Head; Chief Raf Nwoye, Technical Director; and eight other association members.
During the session, NAGAFF representatives voiced their displeasure over the immediate and unilateral adjustments to shipping charges by some operators, which were implemented without prior notice to freight forwarders or service users.
The association argued that such actions violated established protocols governing port operations and trade facilitation.
In her remarks, the police commissioner commended NAGAFF for adhering to due process by engaging relevant authorities before escalating the matter.
She urged the association to remain law-abiding and instructed them to obtain police approval prior to organizing any picketing or protest activities.
She also advised suspending any planned industrial action pending mediation by the Nigerian Shippers Council, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and coordination between law enforcement and maritime stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted trade operations at the ports.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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