Police Intervene in Shipping Fee Dispute to Avert Port Shutdown in Lagos
The Ports Authority Police, Western Command, has stepped in to mediate a growing conflict between freight forwarding unions and the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) over recent increases in shipping fees. In a proactive move, the police have called on both parties to sheathe their swords and embrace constructive dialogue, urging them to avoid actions such as picketing or protests that could lead to a shutdown of port activities in Lagos.
Meeting Addresses Tensions Over Fee Hikes
Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja held a crucial meeting yesterday with representatives from key freight forwarding unions, including the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), alongside the management of the Nigerian Shippers' Council. The meeting focused on addressing the tensions caused by the controversial rise in shipping charges imposed by major shipping companies.
Emphasising the critical role of Nigerian ports in the economy, Commissioner Agbaminoja warned that any disruption to port operations would have far-reaching consequences on the nation's trade ecosystem, supply chain, and national revenue. He stressed the need to sustain peace and ensure uninterrupted port activities to protect Nigeria's position as a gateway for international trade.
Unions and Council Commend Police Intervention
Representatives from the Nigerian Shippers' Council and the freight forwarding unions present at the meeting commended the proactive intervention of the Ports Authority Police. They agreed on the importance of prioritising dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes in the overall interest of the nation's economy, highlighting a collective commitment to avoiding further escalations that could harm port efficiency.
Federal Government Targets Port Efficiency Improvements
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is targeting a significant reduction in cargo clearance times, aiming to cut the current duration from as high as 21 days to under seven days. This initiative is part of a renewed effort to dismantle bottlenecks in the nation's ports, under Phase One of the National Single Window (NSW) and simultaneous upgrades to Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
According to a media brief released in Abuja by the office of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the main factor driving port inefficiency in Nigeria is bureaucracy, rather than physical congestion. Data from the brief shows that 73 per cent of port delays stem from transaction processes, including documentation, customs procedures, and regulatory approvals.
These unjustified delays often result in a congestion tax on the economy, driving up logistics costs, delaying industrial inputs, and weakening the competitiveness of Nigerian exports. Importers face prolonged inventory cycles and demurrage charges, while exporters contend with missed market windows, constraints that persist despite Nigeria's strategic position under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The government's efforts aim to tackle Nigeria's cargo dwell time, which currently stands at 18 to 21 days—more than 475 per cent higher than the global average of four days—by addressing these systemic inefficiencies and enhancing port infrastructure.
