BREAKING: After Customs CG’s Interventions, Clearing Agents Suspend Planned Withdrawal of Service At Apapa Port

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Joint Associatton of Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders operating at Apapa port have suspended their proposed withdrawal of services which was earlier stated for Friday 22nd of August 2025.

The group had lamented in an earlier letter sent to the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, that the consistent glitches and challenges in the newly launched Customs Bodogwu trade platform was causing huge financial losses through demurrages to stakeholders without any plans by the customs to cushion the effects.

In a communique dated Thursday 21st August 2025, a copy of which was made available to DAILY TREND and signed by the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) International Freight Forwarders Association (IFFA), the associations have however backtracked, saying that the withdrawal of services was suspended after due consultations and assurances from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“We are pleased to inform you that the proposed withdrawal of services earlier announced by the Joint Associatton of Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders in Apapa port, which
was scheduled for Friday the 22nd of August, 2025 has been suspended.

“This decision follows the proactive measures of Comptroller General of Customs intervention on the glitches affecting the newly introduced and widely accepted Bodogwu which impacted
on the network improvement since 20th of August, 2025”

According to the group, the CGC has engaged the Executive
Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Councll, Dr Pius Akutah as well as consultations with shipping companies and terminal operators with assurances that these moves will at the end of the day will result in the walver of demurrages incurred during the period of
Bodogwu glitches.

“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of all parties who contributed to achieving this resolution, which now allows for the continuation of smooth and uninterrupted port operations.

“The suspension of the withdrawal of services wll ensure minimal disruption to cargo handling, shipping activities, and overall port operations, utimately benefting trade, businesses, and the
community.
We look forward to your continued cooperatton and to malntaining productive operations within
the port” the Communique read.