Maritime
NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports.
The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tincan Island Port; and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place.
The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF.
NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.
According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, reported and independently observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.
The petition alleged that officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.
It further listed alleged practices including extortion, described as demanding and receiving money or other documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.
The association also alleged intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.
NAGAFF said such activities could obstruct trade facilitation by causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, contrary to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
It also argued that the alleged unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase the cost of doing business, with the burden transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.
In its petition, NAGAFF cited several laws and regulatory instruments which it said underscore the need for clearly defined roles and lawful conduct within the port environment.
The association referenced Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Customs Service Act 2023.
It also cited the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction in the conduct of lawful business.
NAGAFF warned that the alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The association further argued that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
The freight forwarders’ body requested the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.
It also called for the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce compliance with lawful conduct at the ports.
The association further requested that any officers found culpable after investigation be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable Police Force regulations and the laws of the Federation.
NAGAFF also asked the police authorities to issue clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and grant the petitioners an opportunity to be heard with further evidence in support of the petition.
Additionally, it called for a clear distinction between the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.
The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the nation’s ports, but insisted that such operations must remain within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.
“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” the association stated in the petition.
NAGAFF said it remained willing to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intensified efforts to combat smuggling, strengthen border and maritime security, and facilitate legitimate trade through closer collaboration with security agencies and private-sector operators.q
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller, Dr Nkiru Nwala, led delegations to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Eastern Naval Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to strengthen institutional relationships and improve operational coordination.
The engagements focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, protection of critical national assets, road safety, maritime security and compliance with Customs regulations.
Speaking during the visits, Nwala emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among security agencies to address smuggling and other criminal activities, protect government revenue and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
She noted that geographical characteristics of the Command’s operational environment, which encompasses land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes, made collaboration particularly important in tackling illicit activities and emerging security threats.
At the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Customs delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena.
The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation in securing border areas, combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Customs delegation stressed that intelligence sharing, timely communication and coordinated enforcement operations would strengthen the effectiveness of both agencies and improve security across the region.
Similarly, during a visit to the Eastern Naval Command, where the delegation was received on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim, Nwala underscored the complementary responsibilities of Customs and the Nigerian Navy in securing the country’s maritime environment.
She noted that closer collaboration was necessary to prevent the exploitation of waterways for smuggling and other illicit activities, while strengthening maritime enforcement and protecting legitimate trade.
The engagement also highlighted the need for effective communication and operational coordination between the two agencies to address emerging challenges in the coastal and maritime environment.
At the Cross River State Command of the NSCDC, the delegation was received by the State Commandant, CE Okarazu.
Nwala highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing security challenges, protecting critical national assets and ensuring the effective discharge of the agencies’ respective statutory responsibilities.
She called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national economic interests.
The Customs chief also stressed the importance of cooperation with the FRSC in promoting road safety, facilitating legitimate trade and securing transportation routes within the Command’s area of responsibility.
Received by the Cross River Sector Commander, Corps Commander IT Etuk, the delegation discussed the importance of safer roads and efficient transportation networks to Customs enforcement activities and the movement of goods.
Nwala noted that road transportation remained critical to Customs operations, adding that improved coordination between the two agencies would enhance operational efficiency, promote road safety and support the smooth movement of legitimate commerce.
Beyond security partnerships, the Command also engaged the private sector, visiting Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited to strengthen stakeholder relations and improve trade facilitation.
The company’s Base Manager, Mr Larry Idehen, received the delegation.
During the meeting, Nwala emphasised the important role of logistics operators in facilitating cargo movement, supporting supply chains and promoting efficient commercial activities.
She urged operators to uphold transparency, maintain accurate documentation and comply with relevant Customs laws and regulations, noting that compliance would help prevent infractions, improve operational efficiency and protect government revenue.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr.Adegboyega Oyetola has Unveils the newly gazetted Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency ( NPERA ) Act, 2026, alongside the agency’s official logo, describing the development as a significant milestone in strengthening Port regulation, boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
Oyetola made the disclosure on Friday at the Third quarter 2026 Citizens ‘and stakeholders engagement of Marine and Blue Economy, held in Victoria Island, lagos.
The engagement, themed “Building Strategic Bilateral Partnerships for Sustainable Growth, Investment, and Technology of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and reforms in the sector.
The minister said the enactment of the NPERA Act, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent in June 2026, established a substantive statutory framework for port economic regulation after nearly two decades of efforts to institutionalise the function.
He disclosed that he had directed the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which had served as interim port economic regulator since 2014, into the new agency.
According to him, NPERA will be responsible for regulating tariffs and charges, promoting competition, enforcing service standards, resolving commercial disputes and protecting port users’ interests.
“The credibility of an economic regulator rests, in no small measure, on its independence, impartiality and freedom from responsibilities that could give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest,” Oyetola said.
He directed the agency to operate as an impartial arbiter, free from competing regulatory and operational responsibilities.
On port infrastructure, the minister highlighted plans to modernise Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, stressing that the programme would ensure balanced development across the country.
“No part of our national port system will be left behind in this modernisation programme,” he declared, adding that ports outside Lagos are equally important to Nigeria’s economic future.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports to expand maritime capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.
On maritime security, Oyetola said Nigeria had maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters through the Deep Blue Project.
He described the lifting of the 12-year United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria in August 2026 as a major achievement.
The development, he said, reflected progress in maritime security and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to indigenous shipping, disclosing that he had directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to work with approved Primary Lending Institutions to accelerate the processing and disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to qualified applicants.
Emphasising international cooperation, the minister cited Nigeria’s election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization Council in November 2025 and ongoing engagements with Denmark, India, Norway and the United Kingdom.
“Our approach to international cooperation is purposeful and results-oriented,” he said, noting that partnerships must strengthen local capabilities and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has charged executives and members of the association’s Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter to embrace unity, transparency and accountable leadership to strengthen the association’s operations.
Ezisi gave the charge Thursday, during a working visit to the PTML Chapter, aimed at strengthening internal relationships, promoting collaboration among members and enhancing cooperation with key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
During the visit to the PTML Customs Command, the NAGAFF president urged the command to report any unprofessional conduct by members or executives of the association, stressing the importance of discipline and professionalism in freight forwarding practice.
He also congratulated Nura Miko on his promotion and appointment as Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, urging him to maintain a cordial relationship with the chapter’s leadership and provide the necessary support to facilitate its activities.
Responding, Miko commended NAGAFF for distinguishing itself among freight forwarding associations through its organisational structure and approach to industry engagement.
He assured Ezisi and his delegation of the command’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment, describing the command as a community where stakeholders must work together to achieve common objectives.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy National President of NAGAFF, Mr Simeon Nwonu, expressed appreciation to Miko for his reception and described him as a man of his word.
At the NAGAFF PTML Chapter’s temporary secretariat, Ezisi thanked the chapter’s leadership and members for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.
He reiterated the need for transparency, unity and mutual support, urging members to rally behind the chapter chairman and his executive team to ensure the success of their administration.
Earlier, the PTML Chapter Chairman, Fwdr. Thomas Alor, assured the national leadership of his administration’s commitment to membership mobilisation, members’ welfare and accountability to the national headquarters.
Alor pledged to discharge his leadership responsibilities diligently, assuring the national leadership that his administration would work towards achieving the chapter’s objectives.
Also speaking, the PTML Chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Odinanwata Nwarienne, commended NAGAFF’s leadership for its efforts to promote seamless cargo movement and improve operational efficiency within the maritime sector.
The visit also featured a celebration in honour of Ezisi, as members of the PTML Chapter joined in celebrating the national president in recognition of his leadership.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the national leadership to interact directly with chapter executives and members, reinforce the association’s expectations and strengthen relationships with customs officials and other industry stakeholders.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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