By Sandra Chukwunyere
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports.
The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tin-Can Island Port; and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place.
NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.
According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, reported and independently observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.
The petition alleged that officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.
It further listed alleged practices including extortion, described as demanding and receiving money or other documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.
The association also alleged intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.
NAGAFF said such activities could obstruct trade facilitation by causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, contrary to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
It also argued that the alleged unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase the cost of doing business, with the burden transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.
Legal Concerns
In its petition, NAGAFF cited several laws and regulatory instruments which it said underscore the need for clearly defined roles and lawful conduct within the port environment.
The association referenced Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Customs Service Act 2023.
It also cited the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction in the conduct of lawful business.
NAGAFF warned that the alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The association further argued that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Calls for Investigation, Joint Task Force
The freight forwarders’ body requested the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.
It also called for the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce compliance with lawful conduct at the ports.
The association further requested that any officers found culpable after investigation be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable Police Force regulations and the laws of the Federation.
NAGAFF also asked the police authorities to issue clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and grant the petitioners an opportunity to be heard with further evidence in support of the petition.
Additionally, it called for a clear distinction between the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.
The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the nation’s ports, but insisted that such operations must remain within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.
“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” the association stated in the petition.
NAGAFF said it remained willing to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.
The association expressed confidence that the petition would receive the urgent attention it deserves, given what it described as its implications for the rule of law, ease of doing business in Nigeria and the wellbeing of stakeholders in the maritime and freight forwarding sector.
The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF.
Copies of the petition were addressed to the
National Security Adviser; Senate Committee on Customs;
Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council;
Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority;
Assistant Inspector-General of Police,
Maritime Police;
ACG Zone A;
Commissioner of Police,
Port Police; Director,
Department of State Services (DSS);
Founder, NAGAFF;
I and National President, NAGAFF.
