Why we suspended planned protest against APM Terminals – NAGAFF

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has explained why it suspended the planned protest over what it described as poor services at APM Terminals, Apapa and outright economic sabotage by its management.

The group added that the deplorable condition of the examination bay and horrible scanning operations at APM Terminals were part of the reasons for its planned protest.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Team, Alh. Ibrahim Tanko on Tuesday, the group said it suspended the planned protest following an intelligence that an army of hoodlums had been hired to disrupt and hijack the peaceful protest.

According to the statement, “We also gathered that APM Terminals had planted saboteurs for the same purpose. We know that some high officials have been given millions of Naira to scuttle our plans. But we are not perturbed neither are we intimidated.”

The group said the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, having been to the examination bay to see things for himself and being a conscientious administrator and having the said intelligence at his disposal, appealed to them to step down the peaceful protest.

“Thank God, he believed us and has now summoned the APMT management for consultations. The Commissioner of Police, Western Ports command also concurred with the above and similarly appealed for calm.

“He has invited us for a meeting tomorrow (today) 14th June, 2023 for a dialogue while commending us for our maturity. He went to the terminal to see things for himself. Other security agencies, including the port security officers have also keyed into the dialogue mode with us.

“In the light of the above, we had to suspend the planned peaceful protest. It is only a suspension; we stand ready to mobilize our members if we don’t notice appreciable improvement in the examination bay and improved scanning operations. I, Ibrahim Tanko will never disappoint you as we fight to improve services in our work environment.

“We appeal to all stakeholders and sister associations who support us to remain calm and vigilant as our cause is noble, for our good and that of our country,” the statement said.