APFFLON Raises Alarm Over Server Breakdown at PTML Customs for More Than One Week

APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite (right) presenting letter of office to Mr Olorunfunmi Quadri, the Chairman of MMIA Chapter at the official inauguration of three chapters of the association in Lagos on Thursday
—Inaugurates New Executives for KLT, Tin Can, MMIA Chapters
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has expressed concern over the breakdown of the customs server at the PTML Terminal and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, which has made it impossible to clear cargo for over a week.
Speaking at the inauguration of three new chapter executives in Lagos on Thursday, APFFLON President Otunba Frank Ogunojemite highlighted the frustrations faced by freight forwarders.
“We cannot be here today without addressing the issues in our industry. If you work at Tin Can Port, you are aware that the server has not been functioning for almost a week. As a result, we’ve been receiving calls from our clients and importers, who are concerned about rent payments,” Ogunojemite said.
He stressed that the situation is discouraging people from continuing in the business and must be resolved.
Ogunojemite also pointed to broader challenges affecting the industry, such as the weakening Naira and rising freight costs, which have impacted both imports and exports.
He explained that while efforts have been made to contact the relevant authorities, no clear explanation has been provided for the server issues.
“We suspect it may be related to the newly introduced B’Odogwu trade platform or the persistent issues with the Web Fontaine system, but we still await clarification from customs management,” he said.
Despite these efforts, Ogunojemite warned that resolving the server issues alone would not be enough. “Our problems won’t end until shipping and terminal operators waive the rent charges for us. In the past, when the NPA was in charge, customs would send a signal to NPA and rent charges were waived. But now, importers and freight forwarders are being unfairly penalized,” he noted.
The APFFLON president further called for the fast-tracking of the Nigeria Shippers Council bill, stressing that the council currently lacks the legal capacity to sanction operators, which leaves freight forwarders burdened with unnecessary costs, including rent on public holidays and Sundays.
In the same event, APFFLON officially inaugurated new executives for its chapters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tin Can Port, and the newly created KLT chapter.
MMIA Chapter Executives:
• Olorunfunmi Quadri – Chairman
• Busayo Opara – Vice Chairman
• Anslem Eke – Secretary
• Dare Oloniahakin – Treasurer
• Olatunji Olagoroye – Financial Secretary
• Giwa Razak – PRO 1
• Chiaboa Onochie – PRO 2
• Sunday Afolabi – Customs Relations Officer
• Saheed Alabi – Welfare Officer
Tin Can Chapter Executives:
• Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo – Chairman
• Jubril Usman – Vice Chairman
• Nwachukwu Charles – Secretary
• Peter Obi Anselm – Assistant Secretary
• Eng. Peter Mbamaonyeukwu – Treasurer
• Sunday Aderinsoye – Assistant Treasurer
• Rabiu Taoffiq – Financial Secretary
• Michael Osuya – Assistant Financial Secretary
• Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro – PRO
• Rasheed Tijani – Customs Relations Officer
KLT Chapter Executives:
• Mr. Haruna Isiaku Aliyu – Chairman
• Abdul Yaya – Secretary
• Abdul Majeed – Financial Secretary
• Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq – Customs Relations Officer
• Omotayo Rufus – Welfare Officer
Ogunojemite congratulated the new executives and charged them with leading their respective chapters to success amidst the current challenges in the industry.