Count Us Out’ Of Planned Shutdown Of Seaports – NAGAFF

 

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has dissociated self and its members from a planned shutdown of operational activities at Nigeria’s premier port, the Apapa Port.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, by the National President of the association, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, disclosed that the association remains committed to the principles of constructive engagement, lawful advocacy, and professional conduct in addressing industry concerns.

The President noted that NAGAFF firmly believes that dialogue, communication, collaboration, and institutional engagement with relevant authorities remain the most effective tools for resolving grievances and advancing the ongoing reforms in the customs ports and border stations.

Ezisi urged all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could disrupt port operations, damage Nigeria’s economic interests, and undermine the credibility of the freight forwarding profession.

According to him, NAGAFF viewed the proposed shutdown as not an option but also counterproductive to the progress of the port industry reforms and innovations.

 

The statement reads, “The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) wishes to categorically dissociate itself and its members from the planned shutdown of port being organized by a coalition of customs operations at Apapa Port, reportedly licence agents and freight forwarding associations.

“Let it be on record that the nomenclature of licensed customs clearing agents has been repealed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and replaced with the nomenclature of customs representatives.

“The implication is that some members of the coalition with the nomenclature of licensed customs clearing agents are not known to the extant provisions of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)- Act 2007 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023

“As the umbrella body representing the interests of all freight forwarders across Nigeria, NAGAFF remains committed to the principles of constructive engagement, lawful advocacy, and professional conduct in addressing industry concerns.

“We view the proposed shutdown as not an option but also counterproductive to the progress we collectively seek within the port industry reforms and innovations

“NAGAFF firmly believes that dialogue, communication, collaboration, and institutional engagement with relevant authorities remain the most effective tools for resolving grievances and advancing the ongoing reforms in the customs ports and border stations. We urge all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could disrupt port operations, damage Nigeria’s economic interests, and undermine the credibility of the freight forwarding profession.

“We reaffirm our dedication to promoting peace, professionalism, and progress in the maritime industry, and we call on all well-meaning practitioners to join us in upholding these values.

Specifically, the chairman of NAGAFF Apapa and members are hereby advised and encouraged to go about their normal businesses.

“The high command of NAGAFF is in touch with the Comptroller General of Customs, who, as the chairman of the World Customs Organisation WCO is on top of the alleged grievances and their resolution.

“It is our hope and firm belief that the AIG Maritime and the Commissioner of Police, Ports shall ensure peace and order in the Apapa Port for all persons who come to transact business in the ports” he stated.