APFFLON commends Nigerian Shippers’ Council over protection of shippers’ interests

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in protecting the interests of Nigerian shippers and the maritime industry.

Since Dr. Pius Akutah assumed office as the the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, APFFLON noted that the Council has saved the nation ₦86 billion in demurrage losses and ₦4.54 billion recovered through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.

APFFLON described these financial feats as remarkable achievement and commendable milestone.

According to the National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, “These achievements demonstrate a renewed commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, and the protection of cargo owners and freight forwarders from avoidable financial losses.

“As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has continued to play a vital role in promoting fairness and accountability within the nation’s port system. APFFLON acknowledges these efforts and encourages the Council’s leadership to sustain the momentum by strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that all port service providers comply with established standards.

“While celebrating these successes, APFFLON also urges the Council not to relent in addressing other persistent challenges confronting freight forwarders and importers. These include arbitrary charges, excessive port delays, poor service delivery by some operators, congestion, and other bottlenecks that continue to increase the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

“The Council should intensify stakeholder engagement, improve the efficiency of dispute resolution processes, and ensure that the benefits of its regulatory interventions are felt by all participants in the maritime value chain.”

APFFLON said it committed to collaborating with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other stakeholders in advancing reforms that will enhance port competitiveness, reduce the cost of logistics, and position Nigeria as the preferred maritime and trade hub in West Africa.

It encouraged the Executive Secretary/CEO and his management team to continue building a more efficient, transparent, and customer-friendly port system for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.