The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to mediate to avert a protest following the expiration of the ultimatum by the National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Hon. Ibrahim Tanko to embark on a protest over the alleged refusal of APM Terminals to deliver to the lawful allotees their properly auctioned containers.
The Matrix gathered that the top management of NPA will meet with the affected parties today to resolve the lingering issue.
This follows an earlier intervention by the Port Police Commissioner to avert the planned protest.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 11, 2024, we will be having a meeting with NPA over this issue. Earlier today, the port police commissioner in a meeting also intervened and asked us to hold on regarding the protest” Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim said.
It would be recalled that Tanko had issued an ultimatum to the Managing Director, APMT Terminal, Apapa over its alleged refusal to deliver to the lawful allotees their properly auctioned containers.
In the letter dated 4th December 2024, titled “Alleged Unlawful Refusal Tó Release Duly Auctioned Containers In Your Good Terminal”, Hon. Tanko urged the Managing Director, APM Terminal to do the needful “because if the non-delivery of auctioned containers persists by December 9, 2024, the entire freight forwarding community will engage in protest, even carry out a shutdown of operations in your terminal”.
According to him, “The nation’s extant laws, relevant rules and regulations governing and regulating auction processes expressly prescribe the role of APMT Terminal and duties including that of the shipping lines where container boxes are stored for subsequent customs and other government agencies clearance and thereafter delivery.
“We recommend you kindly refer to section 191 of the Customs Act, and also Sections 54 and 55 of the Procurement Act.
“It is our firm and well-considered view that your good company is law-abiding and also that the allottees have duly and fully complied with all the procedures, processes and or conditions precedent and pursuant to taking delivery of the auctioned containers in your terminal.
“We are therefore surprised as to your alleged terminal blatant refusal to allow the lawful allottees to take delivery of the auctioned containers. This is nothing but total disdain and affront to the nation’s extant laws and rules governing auctioned containers. We see these alleged acts of your terminal as unbecoming of a reputable organization your good company is known for.
“We implore you to kindly ensure that the auctioned containers are released to the lawful allottees without any further delay at least before the date stated above” the statement concluded.
