Court Clears Path for Shippers’ Association of Lagos State to Resume Operations

Court Clears Path for Shippers’ Association of Lagos State to Resume Operations

The Shippers’ Association of Lagos State (SALS) is set to fully resume its activities after the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a lawsuit filed against it.

On August 8, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa struck out the suit brought by Evangelist Leo Ogamba. The court ruled that the plaintiff, whose company Leochuks Nigeria Limited is not a member of SALS, lacked the requisite locus standi (legal standing) to institute the action. Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasized that only association members possess the right to bring such a case.

SALS Legal Adviser, Barrister Emmanuel Nwagbara, confirmed the association had voluntarily suspended operations during the litigation out of respect for the judicial process. He stated that the judgment removes all legal impediments to the association’s work.

Accompanied by SALS President Princess Fehintola Mulikat and other executives, Nwagbara addressed the media in Lagos. He assured members that SALS is now positioned to actively re-engage with all stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The legal dispute had halted SALS operations for several months while members awaited the court’s decision. With the matter resolved, the association will now focus on advancing its core mandate of protecting the interests of Lagos State shippers.

– By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola