Power Crisis Disrupting Cargo Handling, Port Operations, Clearing Agents Lament

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has expressed concern over the persistent electricity crisis in the country, warning that inadequate power supply is disrupting cargo handling and port operations while increasing the cost of doing business.

The association challenged the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to ensure that recent assurances on reforms in the power sector translate into visible improvements in electricity supply, stressing that Nigerians are eager to see tangible results rather than hear more promises.

Reacting to the minister’s recent remarks on the federal government’s plans to reposition the power sector, APFFLON said the true measure of success would be the availability of reliable electricity to homes, industries, ports and businesses nationwide.

In a statement signed by its national president, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, the association described Nigeria’s electricity crisis as one of the major impediments to economic growth, industrialisation and investment.

According to Ogunojemite, stable electricity remains fundamental to the growth of industries, attraction of investments and creation of jobs.

“No nation can build a globally competitive economy while operating in darkness. Stable electricity is not a luxury—it is the foundation upon which industries grow, investors gain confidence, jobs are created and businesses flourish,” he said.

He noted that despite years of reforms and huge investments in the sector, many businesses still rely heavily on expensive diesel and petrol generators, pushing production costs to some of the highest levels on the continent.

The APFFLON president further lamented that the maritime and logistics sector remains among the worst hit by the power crisis, as unstable electricity continues to disrupt cargo handling, warehousing, cold-chain logistics, manufacturing and transportation activities.

He said the situation has led to higher operational costs and increased prices of goods for consumers.

“The cost of inadequate electricity is being paid daily by manufacturers, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and ordinary Nigerians. Businesses are shutting down, investors are relocating to countries with more reliable infrastructure, and unemployment continues to rise,” Ogunojemite stated.

While congratulating . Tegbe on his appointment, APFFLON said his emergence offers a fresh opportunity to reverse decades of poor performance in the power sector.

“The minister has an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Nigerians will judge this administration not by the number of conferences held or policies announced, but by whether electricity becomes stable, affordable and accessible,” he added.

The association urged the minister to engage manufacturers, freight forwarders, investors, engineers, electricity distribution companies, generation companies and other stakeholders in developing practical solutions capable of delivering sustainable improvements.

APFFLON maintained that Nigeria possesses the resources, technical expertise and human capacity required to achieve reliable electricity if supported by strong political will, transparency, accountability and effective implementation.

It stressed that the success of Nigeria’s economy, manufacturing sector, maritime industry and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depend significantly on stable electricity supply.

“The success of Nigeria’s economy, manufacturing sector, maritime industry and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends heavily on stable electricity. Every day power supply fails, Nigeria loses investments, jobs, productivity and global competitiveness,” Ogunojemite said.

The association therefore called on the federal government to declare the electricity sector a national economic priority and ensure that commitments made by the Minister of Power are backed by concrete actions and measurable timelines.

“The time for explanations has passed. Nigerians deserve results. Reliable electricity remains the missing link to economic transformation, efficient ports, thriving industries and sustainable national development,” the statement added.