Hunger protest: Agents shun port operations, halt cargo clearance

Licensed customs agents stayed away from work and did not clear any consignment on Thursday following the protest against hunger by Nigerians, leading to the non-clearance of cargoes at the ports, The PUNCH reports.

This was even as customs officers and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria had earlier assured that they would be at the ports for work.

Our correspondent gathered that though the various customs commands at the seaports were open for operations, most agents were absent from work.

Explaining the development, a licensed customs agent, Mr Johnpaul Ejiogu, said it would be risky to take delivery of containers and be on the road at a time of protest because of criminal elements.

The Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr Nnadi Ugochukwu, confirmed that there were no activities at the ports.

“Nobody went out today we are all being careful. Even MAESRK Line stated that they won’t be opening their offices today. They said they won’t be physically present but all their online channels would be operational,” Ugochukwu said.

When queried why their members did not come to work even when they had earlier distanced themselves from the protest, he replied, “We said we are not part of the protest but it doesn’t still mean that we would go out, we have to sit back at home and observe how things unfold.

“I even wanted to go and wash my car today but I have to be careful that the road is free before I step out.”

According to Ugochukwu, most of his colleagues said they did not come out for work, “so who will come out for the operations.”

The former Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Kayode Farinto, said, “I am currently in the port but there are no activities, officers of the NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) are here in their offices ready to work but agents are not coming forward.”

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