Maritime Agencies
PORT CHARGES: T-PACI Raises Alarm, Condemns Corruption and Unilateral Increase, Insists on Wide Consultation
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By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Patriots Anti-Corruption Initiative (T-PACI), a group of freight forwarders fighting corruption in the port industry, has revisited the issue of a unilateral increment in charges, insisting that the move remains a corrupt practice and a fraudulent system carefully designed to rip off Nigerians.
This is even as shipping companies, port concessionaires, some handpicked freight forwarder associations and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the week, hurriedly agreed to reduce port operation charges to douse growing tension initially created in the system.
T-PACI National President, Comrade Stephen Chigozie Ibe disclosed this in Lagos, Tuesday, while adding the association’s voice in condemning an explosive act which a hurried agreement with a handful of stakeholders can never lay to rest. Any increment in costs, he said, is usually transferred to the ultimate consumers of goods involved because the importer is in business to make profit.
“T-PACI is not saying that port concessionaires should not increase port operation charges,” he explained.
“Before such increment is effected, there should or ought to be due consultation with all relevant stakeholders, particularly the importers.”
He recalled that when the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was in charge of the ports, storage charges were not up to N1,500, regretting that since port concessionaires took over, they have effected incessant increases in port charges almost every day, till now.
“The point being made is that their final previous storage charges was even astronomically on the high side, not to talk of now that it has been increased to N180,000 per day from the amount they were charging previously.”
The body argues that before thinking of unilaterally hiking charges, concessionaires should have been mindful of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the NPA many of whose terms still remain unfulfilled. Therefore, there is no justification to think of increment in port charges because doing so tantamounts to a fraudulent way of ripping off Nigerians.
Even as importers and agents pay necessary charges to concessionaires, they still find reasons not to drop their containers the same day. Instead, they are usually asked to come in five day’s time.
“It’s even absurd that the importers/agents cannot approach the concessionaires to make inquiries as to the reasons for such corrupt acts and practices owing to the fact that they (the concessionaires) have bouncers to barricade any importer/clearing agent from gaining access to their offices.”
“For instance, a cursory observation at the entrance gate of TICT at Point Road, Apapa, one will notice the presence of bouncers wearing black shirts and trousers. The same scenario is applicable at APMT.”
The T-PACI leader condemned the act of a company holding an agent’s container, advising him to come back in five day’s time even when he is ready for his container to be dropped for examination.
“They will deliberately refuse the request to drop the container for examination but will insist on charging you for storage for five days and foisting this on you.”
“The most annoying scenario is even if you come in five day’s time, you would discover to your dismay that your container might not even be among those listed to be dropped for examination. The reason they will insist the importer/agent comes in five days is to make sure they charge for storage.”
“It is very mandatory that you shall not escape paying the concessionaires the storage charges. Additionally, they have made their various terminals where they influence other government agencies to illegally and corruptly block cargoes and containers, thereafter, calling agents and importers to come forward and bribe them.
“While waiting for the bribe to be seen, the cargoes and containers will remain in their custody incurring storage charges.”
“For instance, how can you justify a space being taken by a 40ft container which is approximately 15 square meters and be collecting N100.00 per day on the container? Multiply that by 7 containers being stacked on top of the container on the ground. It will amount to N700, 000 per day. The rip-off on Nigerians is collosal.”
He condemned the various bottlenecks created by the concessionaires before containers can be cleared on time, describing them as an index of corruption which has eaten so deep into the activities of terminal opperators and government agencies.
As the concessionaires have the right to increase their operational charges when it is due, Comrade Ibe reasons, this must follow due consultation with all relevant stakeholders, he insists.
“The Patriots Anti-Corruption Initiative (T-PACI) shall lean on the side of the law and the due process of the law to make sure that corruption will not be tolerated in the country.”
Present at the briefing were the T-PACI National Secretary, Joseph Ezeali, National Public Relations Officer, Humphrey Okwuosa and Eke Okogbue, incoming Apapa Chairman. Others are Edmund Etokudor, Customs Coordinator and Barr Chukwuemeka Onyeokoro, Legal Adviser.
Maritime Agencies
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To deepen public understanding of the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation initiative, an anti-corruption group, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI), in conjunction with Hynek Media, is set to hold a one-day enlightenment seminar in Lagos on the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”.
To feature also are sub-themes which include Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability and
Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Billed for April 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, the seminar brings together policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders and civil society to discuss what experts describe as tamper-proof strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
As stated in a release by Funso Olojo and Pastor John Iwori, secretary and media/publicity chief of the NGO respectively, the seminar will be chaired by Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee, with Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), as Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Comptroller -General as guest of honour, Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour) , Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah, ES/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) , Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA and
Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone .
The NSW is designed to streamline and centralize importation and exportation processes as well as transit documentation in order to reduce duplication while enhancing transparency.
Projections are that the initiative could cut transaction costs by up to 25% and boost government revenue by as much as 20 %.
Event Highlights will feature insights from Customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators, alongside perspectives on the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel initiative.
Organizers say the seminar will provide a rare opportunity to align government agencies, private operators, and civil society around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
However, experts warn that Nigeria’s history of reform failures underscore the need for robust implementation safeguards.
Maritime Agencies
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A presidential nod to commence the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has been granted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Disclosing this in Lagos, Thursday, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah confirmed that already work is in progress to consolidate the procurement processes needed.
Dr Akutah was speaking during the Ministerial Management Retreat and the 2026 first quarter stakeholders’ engagement.
“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with the procurement process, and that process is ongoing,” Akutah said.
He explained that while the Nigerian Ports Authority is spearheading the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN, a complementary initiative aimed at enhancing cargo tracking and trade transparency.
Akutah acknowledged the troubled history of the ICTN in Nigeria, describing its past implementation attempts as “checkered,” but expressed confidence that the current administration is determined to avoid previous pitfalls.
According to him, the minister is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the project is executed seamlessly and does not suffer the repeated suspensions that hampered earlier efforts.
“The Minister is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation under his leadership will not be suspended,” he added.
He further revealed that the Council is intensifying efforts to resolve outstanding operational and stakeholder concerns ahead of the full rollout, expected before the end of 2026.
When fully operational, he assured, the ICTN is expected to significantly improve cargo visibility while strengthening regulations.
Speaking at the event which featured the signing of the traditional performance bonds between the Minister and agencies under him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola warned heads of agencies that performance would no longer be evaluated by intentions but by verifiable results.
Dr Oyetola emphasised that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results. These agencies include the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Others are the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
Performance bonds signed at the retreat, the Minister explained, were binding commitments that would be rigorously monitored.
“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” he declared.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says the Electronic Ports Access Call-up System, otherwise known as ETO, is a critical intervention system designed to address persistent disruptions in port logistics that have previously hampered operations while negatively affecting port users and port area residents.
Developed in partnership with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), the ETO system established a structured framework for truck movement scheduling and access to the ports, significantly reducing congestion and improving traffic flow within Apapa.
Dr Dantsoho made this clarificatio in Lagos, Tuesday, during an interactive session with the press. He explained that the NPA has intensified efforts to advance the Port Community System (PCS) even as it embarks on a comprehensive review of the ETO itself.
NPA MD who was represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said the noticeable improvement in travel time and accessibility into Apapa is a testament to the system’s impact. Routes previously battling with traffic gridlock are now more navigable.
With the initial contract for the ETO now expired, he disclosed that the system is undergoing a detailed assessment to identify operational gaps, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen the efficiency. Such reviews, he added, are routine and necessary to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.
He, however, assured that the ETO remains operational under interim arrangements to avoid any disruption to current port activities, underscoring its continued relevance in daily port operations.
The ongoing review, being carried out in collaboration with TTP is expected to produce a reformed operational model aligned with the NPA’s broader digitalisation agenda. At the centre of this agenda is the Port Community System (PCS), an integrated digital platform aimed at linking all stakeholders within the port value chain.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The PCS, NPA stated, will harmonise multiple standalone systems currently operated by different agencies and service providers into a single interface, enabling seamless data exchange, improved coordination and enhanced operational efficiency.
Dantsoho noted that the transition to a Port Community System reflects global best practices, where interoperability among stakeholders drives transparency and efficiency. While acknowledging minor integration challenges, he expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration among stakeholders will come to the rescue.
On ports concession renewal, the NPA boss acknowledged that several agreements have expired but explained that the Federal Government is prioritising a thorough review process before granting fresh renewals. He said the objective is to address legal issues and establish more balanced and effective agreements.
He noted concerns raised by some operators over the uncertainty but maintained that interim extensions granted by the government signal a commitment to maintaining stability while detailed reforms are concluded.
The Authority also pointed to the complexities of deploying digital platforms such as ETO and PCS in emerging port corridors like Lekki, where operational control is shared among multiple stakeholders. He noted that, unlike Apapa, implementation in Lekki requires broader alignment among private investors and government institutions in the business corridor.
Dantsoho assured that port operations will continue seamlessly throughout the review period, expressing optimism that the outcome will consolidate the gains of the ETO while ushering in a more integrated and efficient system under the PCS framework.
He added that the next phase of digital transformation will position Nigeria’s ports for greater efficiency, improved stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced global competitiveness.
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