Don’t Rejoice Yet, APFFLON Warn Freight Forwarders Over Suspension of Shipping Tariff Hike

The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite has extended appreciation to individuals, all freight forwarders associations, stakeholders, and industry players who have shown strong concern and taken decisive actions regarding the recent shipping tariff hike.

In a press statement on Saturday, the association however warned that the announcement by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to halt the shipping tariff hike merely a tactical retreat, and not yet a victory.

“We have seen this pattern before. Announcements are made, but in reality, shipping companies quietly proceed with implementation, exploiting weak enforcement and regulatory gaps. This must not happen again.

“Let it be clearly stated:
Any attempt—direct or indirect—to impose these illegal and unjustified charges will be met with total resistance from freight forwarders nationwide” it says

Ogunojemite stressed that the Shippers Council must display visible enforcement, strict compliance, and immediate reversal of any hidden or backdoor charges already introduced.

Continuing, he said “We also call on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to move beyond statements and prove its authority through decisive enforcement actions. Anything short of this will confirm the fears of stakeholders that regulatory institutions are being undermined.

“Freight forwarders will not sit back and watch the system be manipulated again.
Enough is enough. Compliance is not optional” he said