The Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has reported significant financial losses for importers, amounting to at least N200 billion in demurrage fees, following a two-day industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In a statement released on Wednesday, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, President of APFFLON, condemned the labour unions for what he termed ”their selfish approach,” accusing them of disregarding the impact of their actions on small business owners and the general public.
“The shutting down of the national electricity grid amounted to punishing ordinary people.
“This action doesn’t just affect the government but also the poor masses, artisans, and small business owners whose livelihoods depend on electricity,” Ogunojemite said.
The industrial action, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, was initiated by the NLC and TUC to demand a new minimum wage of over N400,000 per month for workers.
The strike caused widespread disruptions, including a complete shutdown of the national grid, plunging the country into darkness.
Although the strike was suspended after two days to allow further negotiations with the government, the financial impact was severe.
Ogunojemite highlighted that the suspension of the strike did not mitigate the financial burdens imposed on importers.
He noted that shipping companies and terminal operators are unlikely to waive demurrage fees incurred during the strike, leading to additional costs for importers.
The APFFLON president also criticized the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for joining the strike in solidarity with the NLC and TUC without considering its broader implications.
He called on freight forwarders and maritime associations to unite and resist the frequent industrial actions initiated by labour unions.
“Freight forwarders should wake up and protect their livelihoods. They should save their importers from incurring avoidable demurrage as a result of strike actions,” Ogunojemite stated.
He also warned that agreeing to the labour unions’ demand for a N492,000 minimum wage could lead to massive inflation, significantly increasing the prices of commodities.
As the country grapples with the economic fallout from the strike, Ogunojemite emphasized the need for more responsible and considerate actions from labour unions to avoid further exacerbating the challenges faced by small businesses and the general populace.
In a related development, Labour Party (LP) has called on workers’ unions to re-negotiate with the government for a new minimum wage instead of embarking on industrial action.
National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh emphasized that a strike would only increase the hardship and suffering of Nigerians already grappling with numerous challenges.
Ifoh expressed concerns over the unions’ demand for a N494,000 minimum wage, labelling it as unrealistic.
