NAGAFF Suspends Planned Industrial Action After Reaching Agreement with APM Terminals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALHAJI IBRAHIM TANKO

 

NAGAFF Suspends Planned Industrial Action After Reaching Agreement with

APM Terminal.

By Ruth Sunday

 

In a significant move expected to ease concerns over cargo operations at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has suspended its planned withdrawal of services and proposed industrial action following the resolution of key operational issues with APM Terminals, APMT.

The resolution was contained in a press release issued on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, after engagements between the association and the terminal operator.

According to the communique, the parties acknowledged the operational realities confronting APMT, noting that as the busiest port terminal in the West African sub-region, Apapa Port receives more vessel calls than any other port, creating significant pressure on available infrastructure.

The statement explained that one of the major challenges is the inadequacy of space for receiving imported containers, emphasizing that the terminal operates within the land allocated to it by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and cannot unilaterally expand its operational space.

“Being the biggest port in the West African sub-region, the Apapa Port receives more vessel-laden calls than any other port, and that comes with its own challenges.

“The NPA allocated the present space they occupy. They can not appropriate more space to themselves.”

As part of the resolutions reached, it was announced in the communique that there would no longer be any extension of dates for cargo positioning, while the existing allocation of 200 containers for positioning daily would remain unchanged.

However, freight forwarders were advised to increase their bookings for weekends and Mondays to improve cargo movement and reduce operational bottlenecks.

The statement also disclosed that APMT and stakeholders agreed to sustain regular engagements to address operational concerns as they arise.

In addition, it was resolved that any alert issued by a government agency concerning cargo operations must henceforth be routed through the Cargo Advisory Committee, CAC, to ensure better coordination and communication.

Also, the Managing Director of APM Terminals, Mr. Karmal Alhraishat, who assumed office about three months ago, assured stakeholders of management’s commitment to addressing operational challenges promptly.

“The new Managing Director, Mr. Karmal Alhraishat, just three months on the saddle, promised prompt attention to all operational issues,” the statement reads.

The resolution effectively brings an end to the impasse that had prompted NAGAFF to issue a notice of withdrawal of services and proposed industrial action over operational failures at the terminal, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the agreed measures will improve efficiency and strengthen collaboration at the nation’s premier seaport.