By Joshua Yousouph
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has advised freight forwarders to increase their cargo positioning bookings during weekends and Mondays as part of efforts to improve cargo movement at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
The advice came as the association’s 100% Compliance Team suspended its planned withdrawal of services and proposed industrial action following the resolution of operational concerns with APM Terminals (APMT).
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, after a series of engagements between the freight forwarding association and the terminal operator.
According to the communiqué, stakeholders agreed that there would be no extension of dates for cargo positioning, while the existing allocation of 200 containers for positioning daily would remain unchanged.
To improve operational efficiency and reduce delays in cargo evacuation, freight forwarders were encouraged to maximize available booking opportunities during weekends and Mondays.
The association noted that the recommendation formed part of broader measures designed to ease pressure on terminal operations and ensure smoother cargo handling processes at the nation’s busiest port.
Explaining the challenges confronting the terminal, the communiqué acknowledged that APMT operates under significant pressure due to the high volume of vessel traffic handled at the Apapa Port.
It stated that as the busiest port terminal in the West African sub-region, Apapa Port receives more vessel calls than any other port in the region, placing considerable demand on existing infrastructure.
According to the statement, one of the major constraints facing the terminal is inadequate space for receiving imported containers. It explained that APMT operates within the land allocated to it by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and cannot independently expand its operational area.
“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 cannot appropriate more space to themselves,” the communiqué stated.
The parties also agreed to maintain regular engagements aimed at addressing operational issues as they arise and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
As part of the resolutions reached, it was agreed that any alert issued by a government agency relating to cargo operations should be routed through the Cargo Advisory Committee (CAC) to ensure effective coordination and communication among industry players.
Meanwhile, 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 communiqué added.
The agreement effectively ends the impasse that had prompted NAGAFF to issue a notice of withdrawal of services and proposed industrial action over operational concerns at the terminal.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the resolutions would enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce operational bottlenecks and foster stronger cooperation between freight forwarders and terminal operators at the Apapa Port.
