The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to immediately suspend the newly introduced call-up system at the Onne Port, describing it as an unnecessary cost burden that undermines government efforts to enhance trade facilitation and reduce port operation expenses.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of NPA, APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, expressed deep concern over the new traffic management scheme, arguing that it imposes extra costs on port users despite the presence of existing facilities at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) capable of handling traffic efficiently without additional charges.
According to Ogunojemite, the introduction of the call-up system contradicts the Federal Government’s drive to lower the cost of doing business, promote exports, and reposition Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa.
He warned that such policies could discourage trade and drive exporters to neighboring ports.
“The duplication of a call-up system with commercial undertones not only raises costs for freight forwarders and exporters but also runs counter to Nigeria’s ease of doing business agenda,” he stated.
Beyond the call-up system, APFFLON also decried growing challenges at the export terminal within Onne Port, including bureaucratic bottlenecks and extra charges that are stifling export activities. The association said the development is “alarming” and risks frustrating the government’s non-oil export promotion efforts.
The association urged NPA to conduct a comprehensive stakeholder consultation and cost-benefit analysis before proceeding with any such initiative. It further called for policy uniformity across all port terminals, especially where existing infrastructure already provides efficient traffic management.
Ogunojemite emphasized that stakeholder engagement remains vital to achieving sustainable port reforms. He urged NPA to involve key industry bodies such as APFFLON, ANLCA, NAGAFF, CCC, and SEREC in policy formulation and review processes to ensure inclusiveness and transparency.
“APFFLON remains committed to supporting reforms that enhance efficiency, but such policies must not impose additional burdens on port users,” he added.
The association also expressed readiness to engage in a roundtable dialogue with NPA and other relevant agencies to explore practical solutions aimed at improving port operations and promoting Nigeria’s maritime growth.
