The Africa Association Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has kicked against the 7 per cent surcharge on cargo clearance imposed by the Federal Government.
To address the situation, AFFLON in a petition dated August 11, 2025 with the reference number: APFFLON/HQ/NGPvOL:2.25 to President Bola Tinubu, signed by Frank Ogunojemite, its President and obtained by our correspondent, appealed to Tinubu to immediately review downward the 7 per cent surcharge to prevent economic collapse.
The association said that the surcharge was coming at a time when the country was confronted with severe economic hardship.
Ogunojemite decried that the nation was confronted with escalating inflation, volatile exchange rates, and a weakening naira.
He insisted that the surcharge was unsustainable on businesses and the Nigerian people at large, stressing that the cost of clearing cargo was at an all-time high, with freight forwarders, importers, and manufacturers facing unprecedented operational pressure.
The association appealed to Tinubu to as a matter of urgency ensure the reduction of the 7 per cent surcharge on cargo clearance at Nigerian ports.
“It is important to note that most port terminals have already been concessioned, and the bulk of port infrastructure and operational responsibilities are now in private hands.
“The justification for retaining this surcharge under such conditions has become questionable, especially as port users receive no direct value or improved service from this charge.
“Rather, the surcharge continues to inflate the cost of imports, disrupt supply chains, and push many legitimate businesses into financial distress.
“Your Excellency, while we acknowledge and commend the Federal Government’s efforts at revenue generation and infrastructure development, we believe that burdening trade stakeholders at such a fragile economic moment risks stifling productivity, discouraging formal trade, and fueling inflation.”
It also called for an audit and clarification of the usage of funds generated from the surcharge, to promote transparency and accountability.
The association also called for stakeholder consultation involving associations like APFFLON and others to co-create a fair, inclusive, and sustainable port revenue model.
Besides, APFFLON canvassed for implementation of a harmonised and transparent port pricing system, elimination of overlapping levies and reduction in bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
