Freight forwarders kick against ‘arbitrary’ shipping charges at Apapa Ports

Freight forwarders operating at the Apapa Port have protested what they described as arbitrary and unilateral increases in shipping charges by some shipping companies.

The protest was led by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), which raised concerns over the development in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council in Apapa, Lagos.

The letter, titled “Administrative Overreach: The Non-Consensual and Arbitrary Increase of Shipping Charges in Breach of Established Procedure and Protocol,” was received around 2:30 p.m. on March 12. Copies were also sent to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), Apapa.

Following the complaint, the police authorities invited leaders of the freight forwarders’ association for a meeting to discuss the matter.

Those present at the meeting included Mr. Bert Okeke, who represented the NAGAFF Chairman, Ibrahim Tanko; the association’s Operational Head, Mr. Uche Nwabude; and Technical Director, Chief Raf Nwoye, alongside eight other members.

During the meeting, the association’s leaders expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the immediate upward review of shipping charges by some companies without prior notice to freight forwarders and other port users.

They argued that the action violated established procedures guiding port operations and trade facilitation.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, commended the association for adopting a lawful approach by engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The police chief urged the freight forwarders to remain law-abiding and advised them to notify the police and obtain approval before embarking on any picketing or protest.

She also encouraged the association to suspend any planned industrial action while the Nigerian Shippers Council works to mediate and resolve the dispute.

The commissioner further stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the police and maritime stakeholders to ensure smooth trade facilitation at the nation’s ports.

The meeting concluded at about 3:25 p.m. with a commitment from stakeholders to pursue dialogue in resolving the issue.