NAGAFF distances from planned shutdown of Apapa Port

By Joy Enamuna

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has dissociated itself and its members from the reported plan by a coalition of freight forwarding groups and customs licence agents to shut down operations at Apapa Port.

In a statement signed by its National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, on Wednesday in Lagos, the association emphasised that it was not part of the planned action and urged its members in Apapa to continue their normal business activities.

Ezisi noted that the designation of “licensed customs clearing agents” has been repealed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and replaced with “customs representatives,” stressing that some of the groups behind the planned protest do not fall under the extant laws guiding the profession, including the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Act 2007.

According to him, NAGAFF remains committed to lawful advocacy, constructive engagement, and professional conduct in addressing industry concerns, adding that shutting down port operations would be counterproductive and harmful to the nation’s economy.

“We believe that dialogue, communication, collaboration, and institutional engagement with relevant authorities remain the most effective tools for resolving grievances and advancing ongoing reforms in the customs ports and border stations,” Ezisi stated.

He assured stakeholders that the leadership of NAGAFF is already engaging with the Comptroller General of Customs, who also chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to address the issues raised by some freight forwarding groups. He further expressed confidence that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of maritime operations and the Commissioner of Police, Ports Command, would maintain peace and order at the Apapa Port.

NAGAFF reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, professionalism, and progress within the maritime sector while calling on stakeholders to avoid actions capable of disrupting port activities.