The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has issued an ultimatum to the management of APM Terminals in Apapa over alleged refusal to release properly auctioned containers to allottees.
This is according to a letter by the National Coordinator 100% Compliance Team of the association, Ibrahim Tanko dated December 4, 2024 and addressed to the Managing Director of the terminal.
The letter titled “Alleged Unlawful Refusal Tó Release Duly Auctioned Containers In Your Good Terminal” sighted by the Thelensng urged APMT to promptly address the issue.
Tanko, while citing section 191 of the Customs Act, and Sections 54 and 55 of the Procurement Act, warned that failure to resolve the matter by December 9, 2024, could result in protests and a complete shutdown of operations at the terminal.
The letter read in part: “The nations extant laws, relevant rules and regulations governing and regulating auction processes expressly prescribe the role of APMT Terminal and duties including that of the shipping lines where container boxes are stored for subsequent customs and other government agencies clearance and thereafter delivery.
“It is our firm and well considered view that your good company is law abiding and also that the allottees have duly and fully complied with all the procedures, processes and or conditions precedent and pursuant to taking delivery of the auctioned containers in your terminal.
“We are therefore surprised as to your alleged terminal blatant refusal to allow the lawful allottees to take delivery of the auctioned containers.
“This is nothing but total disdain and affront to the Nations extant laws and rules governing auctioned containers. We see this alleged acts of your terminal as unbecoming of a reputable organization your good company is known for”.
Tanko implored the management of APM Terminals to ensure that the auctioned containers are released to the lawful allottees without any further delay.
