Listen to story here
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating at Nigerian ports.
In the petition dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the IGP at Force Headquarters, Abuja, NAGAFF specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Tin-Can Island Port and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals.
The association described the alleged conduct as a growing threat to trade facilitation and a contributor to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.
According to NAGAFF, freight forwarders have, over time, reported and observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.
The association alleged that some officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.
It further accused officers of demanding money or documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for cargo release or unhindered movement.
Other allegations include verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some cases, physical assault.
NAGAFF warned that such practices could cause avoidable delays, port congestion and supply-chain disruptions, undermining the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
It also argued that unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase logistics costs, with the burden passed on to importers, exporters and consumers.
In its petition, NAGAFF referenced the Nigeria Police Act 2020, Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Nigerian Ports Authority Act and Customs Service Act 2023, among other legal and policy instruments.
The association said the alleged activities could damage Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
NAGAFF therefore urged the IGP to order an immediate investigation and halt what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment at the affected ports.
It also requested the establishment of a joint task force involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor compliance and address misconduct at the ports.
The association called for disciplinary or criminal action against any officers found culpable following investigation.
It further requested clear guidelines defining the lawful scope of Maritime Police operations at seaports, as well as clearer jurisdictional boundaries between the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.
“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” NAGAFF stated.
The association said it was ready to provide documentary evidence and witness accounts to support the investigation.
The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF, with copies sent to several government and maritime authorities, including the National Security Adviser, Senate Committee on Customs, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NPA, NCS, DSS and senior police authorities.
