NAGAFF 100% Compliance Suspends Planned Industrial Action Against APMT After Government Intervention
NAGAFF 100% Compliance Suspends Planned Industrial Action Against APMT After Government Intervention
By Frank Odinukaeze
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has suspended its planned withdrawal of services earlier scheduled to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026, following the intervention of the Federal Government and security agencies.
The association announced the suspension in a statement issued on May 17 by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Tanko.
According to the statement, the decision was reached after the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Command, who engaged stakeholders over concerns raised by freight forwarders and port operators.
Tanko explained that the suspension of the industrial action was made as a mark of respect for the Minister and in recognition of his commitment and assurances towards ensuring that APM Terminals operates in accordance with acceptable industry standards.
The group stated that the proposed withdrawal of services was triggered by allegations of arbitrary charges imposed by APMT, which members claimed were negatively affecting trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and the smooth functioning of the maritime sector.
According to NAGAFF, the suspension is intended to provide the terminal operator with an opportunity to address the issues raised and comply with established operational standards.
The association further stated that it would continue to closely monitor developments to ensure that the concerns of freight forwarders and other stakeholders are properly addressed in the interest of the maritime industry and the nation’s economy.
Recall that the Compliance Team had earlier in a
formal notice dated May 12, 2026, and addressed to the Managing Director of the terminal, gave reasons for the proposed Industrial actioa.The group had accused the company of failing to provide efficient and functional operational infrastructure necessary for smooth cargo handling and related services.
The protest letter, signed by Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator of the association, alleged that freight forwarders and other authorized users of the terminal had been subjected to prolonged delays, congestion, equipment breakdowns, and poor service delivery over an extended period.
According to the group, the operational shortcomings have resulted in significant financial losses to its members through increased demurrage charges, avoidable storage fees, missed delivery schedules, and other business disruptions.
The association stated that despite several complaints, meetings, and expectations for improvement, conditions at the terminal had continued to deteriorate without meaningful corrective measures from the management of the company.
As a result, the freight forwarders issued a notice of withdrawal of services and proposed industrial action scheduled to commence on May 14, 2026, unless urgent steps are taken to address the identified operational deficiencies.
The group had demanded the immediate provision of adequate and functional terminal facilities, improved operational efficiency, and sustainable measures to prevent further disruptions and financial losses to terminal users.
The May 12 letter was copied to CAC Apapa, CAC TCIP, CAC KLT, and CAC PTML.
The development is expected to ease tensions within the port sector and avert disruptions to cargo clearance and logistics operations at the Lagos ports
