NAGAFF threatens to expel members involved in port operations disorder over increased Customs duty

Rev. Emma Agubanze, Head of Special Duties, NAGAFF, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

He noted that the recent increase in exchange rate from N326 per dollar to N361 for imports had necessitated  agitations from some freight forwarders, adding that NAGAFF members were not part of it.

He added that those agents were urging government to reverse the exchange rate regime or they would ask their members to withdraw their service.

According to the statement “We in NAGAFF believe that shutting down the port at this time is not the best, instead we should be helping the government to succeed.

“We know that the oil price is falling down and government has to continue but they should look inward to see how they can sustain their budget as the increase in exchange rate will only impoverish Nigerians.

“For the avoidance of doubt, under the circumstances of COVID 19 pandemic, the Federal Government was very clear as to the voluntary and willingness of stakeholders who have business at the ports to embark on it.

“Government’s concern is for those who have essential or perishable goods to access the ports and clear their goods other than luxury goods while the  Nigeria Shippers Council has worked tirelessly to secure free pass for the concerned freight forwarders.

“Accordingly, any NAGAFF member found to be involved in any ports operations disorder shall be expelled forthwith aside from the inherent consequences of breach of public peace and ports order,” he said.

Agubanze pointed out that NAGAFF had already directed all members to stay at home if there was no cogent reasons to visit the ports.

He cautioned those with good reasons to be extremely careful and observe all the protocols and sanitary conditions in accordance with set standards, urging them to continue with their business without fear of any sort.

He called on members with legitimate and essential duties at the port to visit NAGAFF headquarters for their face mask and sanitizers if they could not afford to get one