The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has issued a stern warning to shipping companies and terminal operators against what it described as incessant and arbitrary increases in shipping and terminal charges without due process.
In a letter dated February 10, 2026, and signed by the National Coordinator, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, the association called the attention of Hapag-Lloyd and other industry operators to the need to strictly comply with laid down procedures before effecting any increment in their charges.
NAGAFF expressed concern that recent adjustments in shipping and terminal fees were being carried out without proper consultation or adherence to established industry regulations, stressing that freight forwarders would no longer tolerate such practices.
The letter read in part, “We write to caution you against any attempt to increase shipping and terminal charges without following laid down procedures and or due process. Please be informed that we would not allow further disregard to extant rules of engagement and our collective sensibilities.”
The association warned that it would resist any action perceived as a violation of extant laws, noting that arbitrary increments undermine collective sensibilities and disrupt sustainable freight forwarding operations within the maritime sector.
According to NAGAFF, unregulated hikes in charges not only burden freight forwarders but also have ripple effects on trade facilitation, port efficiency and the overall cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of its members while promoting transparency and fairness in port operations across the country.
NAGAFF, headquartered in Apapa, Lagos, operates under Part C of Decree 1 of 1990 and remains a key stakeholder advocating sustainable freight forwarding practices in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
