Freight forwarders and truck owners operating at the Lagos port have threatened to shut down activities at the nation’s seaports and bonded terminals in Lagos from today.
A statement signed by President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu at the weekend, a copy of which was made available to SHIPS & PORTS DAILY, said the agents finally resolved to embark on the strike due to what he termed government insensitivity to the continuous killing of port operators owning to the collapsed port access roads.
Shittu said the government had also reneged on its promise to address the issues raised concerning cargo clearance at the port after issuing a 21-day ultimatum and another 21 days extension.
‘The government reneging on all promises made to port users arising from 21 days ultimatum and another 21 days extension by licensed customs agents and freight forwarders. All practitioner are directed to comply with this directive,” he said.
In a separate notice of withdrawal of service, Chairman, Amalgamation of Trucking Associations, Victor Nnyosum, said the association will also withdraw all trucks and services from the ports from today.
A letter sent to head of maritime agencies include the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC); General Manager, NPA Western Zone, Area Commandant, Area B Police and Port Police, stated that the joint body resolved to commence withdrawal of service as a result of the deplorable states of the Tin Can and Apapa roads, which he said have been responsible for damage to trucks, goods and loss of lives.