By Sandra Chukwunyere
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has suspended its planned protest against the alleged arbitrary increase in shipping charges by some shipping companies.
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The protest and planned withdrawal of services at designated shipping lines, earlier scheduled for Monday, March 9, were halted following the intervention of the Department of State Services (DSS), other government agencies, and notable stakeholders who appealed for calm.
In a press release signed by the National Coordinator of the NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, the team stated that the decision to suspend the protest was taken to allow room for mediation and dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute in the interest of peace within the maritime sector.
Tanko acknowledged the timely intervention of the security agency and other concerned parties, noting that the suspension would give government authorities the opportunity to examine the grievances raised by freight forwarders regarding the alleged arbitrary charges imposed by shipping lines.
He, however, warned that the association would reassess its position if the issues are not addressed within a week.
He further disclosed that the team would review the situation on March 15, stressing that the suspension of the protest is conditional and dependent on the reversal of the disputed charges.
Industry stakeholders had earlier expressed concerns that the proposed protest could disrupt port operations and cargo clearance activities if carried out, making the intervention by government agencies critical in maintaining operational stability at the nation’s seaports.
