By Foster Obi
Smarting from recently alleged disparaging remarks against freight forwarders by the country manager of APM Terminals in Nigeria, National Association of Government approved Freight forwarders (NAGAFF) has “set up a technical system audit/study committee to reevaluate the operational performances of the APM Terminals in Nigeria and make comparative studies of the APM Terminals operational performances in other ports of the world (AFRICA, EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, ASIA, ETC).”
A statement signed by NAGAFF Spokesman, Stanley Ezenga listed the members of the Committee as Dr. Arthur Igwilo – Chairman, Rev. Emmanuel Agubanze – Secretary, Fwdr Francis Omotosho – IT & Logistics, Barrister Henry Olarotimi – Legal, Alhaji Aboki Mustapha – Member and Chukwuma Okafor – Member.
According to the statement, “ the Terms of Reference – TOR issued to the Technical audit/ study committee reads in part: ” To narrow operational studies and draw comparison from other countries ports where the APMTERMINAL operates as a concessionaire, focusing and drawing analysis in the key following areas:
“Equipment’s Acquisition and Availability, Number Of dedicated Cargo Handling Equipment per various aspects of Terminal Operations, Performance indicators in relation to Cargo move per hour per truck per crane from Ship to Terminal – Berth Production, Dwell Time of Cargo in the Terminal, Ship Turn Around and Dwell Time at Berth.
“ Services Charges (itemizing functions to such applicable charges, Revisit the term progressive storage Charges, and differentiate between Delivery Charges and Terminal Handling Charges, Revisit the condition and conspiracy in relation to transferring Containers to Off dock Terminal other than NAMED PORT OF DISCHARGE, Consider the application of International best practices in Cargo handling operations and Friendly Customer Relationship.
“Furthermore, the Committee is to further its studies and bring to fore other findings as it relates to terminal operations and services. And make appropriate recommendation to the NEC,” it said, adding, “Committee is to turn in its report in two weeks.”
Driving home its point, the statement noted, “Gentlemen and ladies of the Press, you will agree with us that in Public Policy Advocacy we have never left any stone unturned to buttress our agitation for fairness.
“We therefore, implore your understanding as we engage in this journey of enthroning Professionalism in our port.
“You recall that earlier in the week the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders – Nagaff gave a seven (7) days ultimatum to the Country Manager of the APMTERMINAL, who in a widely reported news piece falsely accused the Freight Forwarders of being responsible for the present port Congestion in its Terminal.
“This false accusation has in no small measure indicted and subjected the Professional integrity of Nigeria Freight Forwarders to questions and doubts, before the comity of global freight forwarders, especially the global regulator, FIATA.
“Arising from our emergency NEC Session held on the 17th July 2020, NEC resolved ahead of the expiration of the 7 days ultimatum to commence a process of making meaning its earlier position, by undertaking as captioned above,” the statement declared
