Customs, Marítime Workers Dismiss Protest, Assure Of Normal Port Operations

The Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and clearing agents operating at the nation’s seaports have dismissed the planned hunger protest.

In a separate statement to LEADERSHIP, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Compt. Babatunde Olomu, reassured port users that activities of the Service would continue uninterrupted despite apprehensions about an impending nationwide protest

Addressing a meeting of stakeholders in Apapa on Tuesday, Comptroller Olomu said it has become expedient to rebuild confidence in importers, exporters, licensed customs agents,freight forwarders,haulage operators and other port users on the availability of Nigeria Customs Service officers in Apapa Port on all working days as usual

He stated that Customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under his watch shall be available to discharge their usual functions and support in facilitating all legitimate trade within their purview.

The CAC further advised that the office of the Customs Public Relations Officer and other offices assigned to function as help desks shall be available to address inquiries and give further details where necessary.

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For the avoidance of doubt, Comptroller Olomu reminded members of the Apapa Port Community, including sister government agencies, that customs officers shall be resuming work by 8am on all weekdays and may work during weekends, when necessary.

While thanking the compliant port users, whom he described as partners in progress, the Area Controller reiterated the command’s resolve to continually ensure maximum collection of all government revenue without compromising the due diligence required for all import and export cargo examination

Also, speaking at the meeting, Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports CP Lanre Ishola thanked the Controller for convening the meeting and stated that the police will ensure the respect of citizens’ rights at all times

The port manager of Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga reminded all port users at the meeting that Apapa Port runs a 24-hour operation.

Okaga added that other stakeholders in the cargo clearing process, like the shipping companies and terminal operators, will be sensitised by the Nigerian Ports Authority to dispense their services normally.

Okaga said the NPA will urge shipping companies and terminal operators not to impose demurrage on cargoes under their control, for days they couldn’t effect services for clearance

Also speaking, the President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tochukwu Ezizi, has warned clearing agents against the protest.

According to him, members of the association spread across Nigeria, should be involved either remotely or directly in the impending hardship protest slated for August 1st 2024

Ezisi, who acknowledged that they have a right to protest as enshrined in our country’s constitution, they should also note that they do not have the right to destabilise the country.

He stated that Mr President inherited a near comatose economy & has been doing his best since assumption of office & therefore should be supported.

He also stated that the economic recession being experienced today is not peculiar to our country alone.

Also, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), disassociated its members and executives from the planned nationwide protest.

President general of the Union, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, in a statement called on members to be vigilant and alert for potential miscreants who may attempt to invade and disrupt industrial peace and harmony in the sector.

The statement reads in part, “Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria is a responsible Union with it’s vast membership as workers in the maritime sector, providing essential services at all times and round the clock and also came into proper reckoning with commitment and patriotism during the COVID-19 lockdown when our members were required to render essential services in spite of the stay at home order by National Council For Disease Control (NCDC).

“The deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Adeyanju, said that Maritime Workers Union is an affiliate of the Congress and the Union will always heed calls of the NLC to participate in any industrial strike or in a coordinated, lawful or orderly industrial action, which in this case is a reversed one.

“Having said so, the Union will not take part in any protest not directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress; however, the Union does not begrudge any Nigerian citizen a peaceful protest.” Adeyanju also warned members of the Union to desist from any protest in the terminal jetties or oil & gas platforms and stay clear from hoodlums who may want to take advantage of the protests, to destroy properties, and maim the lives of innocent citizens as the scars of EndSars is still fresh in their memories.

“The Union as always is committed to industrial peace and harmony within the sector; therefore, our members must be at alert and be vigilantly sensitive towards miscreants, who may want to invade our sector to commit havoc on the day in the name of protests,” the statement said.