The Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and clearing agents at the nation’s seaports have dismissed the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
In a statement to LEADERSHIP, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller (CAC) for Apapa Port Command, assured port users that Customs operations would continue without interruption despite concerns about the protest. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Apapa on Tuesday, Comptroller Olomu emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence among importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators, and other port users. He confirmed that Customs officers would be present at Apapa Port and its terminals to facilitate legitimate trade as usual.
Comptroller Olomu also reminded the Apapa Port Community and other government agencies that Customs officers would resume work at 8 a.m. on weekdays and may work on weekends if necessary. He urged port users to reach out to the Customs Public Relations Office and other help desks for inquiries and assistance.
At the same meeting, Commissioner of Police for Western Ports, CP Lanre Ishola, thanked Comptroller Olomu for organizing the gathering and assured that the police would uphold citizens’ rights.
Port Manager Mr. Charles Okaga reminded stakeholders that Apapa Port operates 24 hours a day. He announced that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) would ensure that shipping companies and terminal operators continue their services normally and that no demurrage would be charged for delays due to the protest.
Tochukwu Ezizi, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), advised clearing agents against participating in the protest. He acknowledged the right to protest but emphasized the importance of not destabilizing the country and supporting the President’s efforts to improve the economy, which is facing challenges common to many nations.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) also distanced itself from the protest. President General Comrade Adewale Adeyanju called on members to remain vigilant against potential disruptions to 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.
