NAGAFF 100% Compliance raises concerns over cargo examination, human traffic at APMT

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised the alarm over issues bothering on delay in cargo examination, insecurity and uncontrolled human traffic at the APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.

Raising concerns in a letter written to the Managing Director, APMT Terminal Apapa, the National Coordinator of NAGAFF Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, also alleged delay in cargo clearance, saying that it takes an average of four days to conduct physical examination and scanning of boxes in the terminal.

While highlighting plethora of challenges at APM terminal's operational activities, Tanko reiterated that "There is also issue of insecurity as APMT terminal is flooded by those who have no business being in the port.

"Too much delay in conducting physical examination also because it takes average of 4-5 days to conduct physical examination, and same is in scanning.

"We note with dismay, the continued influx of all kinds of characters milling around your terminal; that vagrants now sleep there, with all kinds of wares and illicit services going on.

Reports of robbers trailing freight forwarders to their homes abound all because of non identification.

"There is also issue of examination bay being dusty, often affecting our members and other lawful users of the examination bay.

We have made several complaints regarding this all to no avail.

"We believe that complaints never reached your table, pointing out that "All these challenges and other issues are grossly affecting us especially as it regards to timely clearance of our consignments and trade facilitation."

According to the letter written to the MD, titled "PETITION AGAINST ONE MR. KAYODE STAKEHOLDERS MANAGER APMT TERMINAL APAPA FOR MALICIOUS INTERFERENCE GROSS ABUSE OF OFFICE UNETHICAL PRACTICES AND CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE BETWEEN OUR MEMBERS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF APMT," the Team further accused the Stakeholders Manager of militating against trade facilitation.

It noted that the Stakeholders Manager has failed to interact with freight forwarders on the best way to promote trade , thus resolving challenges faced on cargo clearance from the terminal has been made impossible.

"We are sadly impelled to write this petition to your esteemed office against one Mr. Kayode, your Stakeholders Manager who has turned himself a clog and or stumbling block to the smooth running and cordial relationship between our members and your management.

"Our office (100 Percent Compliance Team) has been inundated with serious complaints and allegations against Mr. Kayode who often than not, in the face of extenuating circumstances, unfair trade practices, impasse and other challenges in the port holds himself out to intervene or mediate but is inclined to surreptitiously and deliberately stopping us from reaching or approaching your management for intervention and or amicable resolution," the letter stated emphatically.

The letter further stated thus: "Sir, it is beyond equivocation that the behaviour and activity of Mr. Kayode within the port will cause serious unrest and industrial action if nothing is expeditiously done to checkmate his incessant interference, /activities geared towards sabotaging our concerted efforts in ensuring good and cordial relationships between your management and our members.

"We have since been engaging and pacifying our aggrieved members as a result of Mr. Kayode's encumbrances, parochial and self-serving interests.

"Sir, to ensure the smooth running of business in the port, we demand that Mr Kayode be called to order.

"Please note that any action taken by us in protecting our interests is caused by Mr. Kayode. Let him focus on his job and allow us to do ours.

"Let him desist forthwith from further interference with our businesses, allow us the freedom to interface with your management so we can make known or communicate our challenges and grievances without let or hindrances.

"It is noteworthy that since the exit of Mr. Odibe over two years ago, there has not been any form of interaction, meeting or correspondence with your management.

And you have someone designated as Stakeholders Manager in the person of Mr, Kayode.

"Flowing from the above, we are constrained to implore you to take necessary disciplinary actions against the said Mr Kayode whose conducts and activities as chronicled above are at best conducts unbecoming of an employee of his status that is at all times expected to maintain high integrity, impartiality and probity in the discharge of his duties and service, " the letter stated.