Freight forwarders under the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders have raised concerns over the Nigerian Ports Authority’s newly introduced mandatory port pass.

They argue that the identity card issued by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria should be sufficient for port access.

The stakeholders view the additional pass as an unnecessary burden that could lead to extra costs and delays.

In February, the NPA issued a notice, signed by the Port Manager of Tincan Island Port Complex, Abubakar Sani Isa, informing members of the National Association of NAGAFF and other stakeholders to obtain the mandatory Port Pass before the April 30, 2025, deadline.

In the notice, the NPA stated that the Port Pass remains the only legitimate permit for port access.

The NPA, citing the enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code Level 1, emphasized the security implications of the mandatory Port Pass requirement.

“Failure to acquire the pass before the deadline would result in access restrictions, preventing non-compliant individuals from entering the facility,” the notice read in part.

Reacting at a recent event in Apapa, the Deputy National President of NAGAFF Seaport Chapter, Mr. Afam Chukwuma, criticized the government for its failure to properly regulate access to port operations, expressing concerns over the new Port Pass requirement.

Chukwuma criticized the absence of proper certification and clear regulations, stating that many unqualified individuals enter the freight forwarding business without sufficient experience or accountability.

“The current regulatory framework does not adequately distinguish between legitimate freight forwarders and unqualified individuals,” Chukwuma said.

He urged the NPA to review the system to ensure that only certified professionals are allowed access to the port.