Freight forwarders lament cargo clearance challenges

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has warned that the recent hike in duties is making it difficult for importers to take delivery of their consignments, particularly vehicles. In a statement, APFFLON National President Frank Ogunojemite said that vehicle importers are especially affected and that the hardship caused by poor government policies is severe. “The Federal Government has succeeded in emasculating private businesses; importers now find it very difficult to take delivery of their consignments, especially vehicles, due to an unimaginable increase in export duty,” he said, adding that he hopes the incoming administration will address these issues and improve citizens’ lives.

Reacting to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria’s (MWUN) ultimatum to shut down the seaports over the government’s failure to address sector challenges, Ogunojemite appealed to the union’s leadership to consider the country’s difficult economic situation. “Explore a better way of bringing the Federal Government to the negotiation table instead of shutting down the ports,” he urged, warning that such action could worsen the economy and cause untold hardship.

He noted that the Nigeria Labour Congress had also threatened to shut down the seaports over the government’s neglect of maritime workers’ welfare. Ogunojemite described the current economic climate as joyless, with Nigerians “being held down by very unfriendly trade and monetary policies” that need urgent review so citizens can regain normalcy. He emphasized that Nigerians are frustrated and lack the patience to endure continued hardship, urging the government to weigh the implications of every policy before implementation and urging all group leaders to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation.

Finally, Ogunojemite called on the Federal Government to promptly address the welfare of workers, stating that they deserve their wages and entitlements. “Any ploy targeted at denying them such rights is not in the interest of the nation,” he concluded.