The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has honoured the National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tochukwu Ezisi, with the Freight Forwarder of the Year Award and formally invested him as a Patron of the association in recognition of his outstanding contributions to freight forwarding and the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

MARCON also honoured Micro Freight Consults Limited with the Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Customs Brokerage Company Award in recognition of the company’s professional leadership in customs brokerage, its unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance, and its consistent application of global best practices in the industry.

The honours were conferred during the 2026 MARCON yearly conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where industry leaders, government officials and key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.”
Speaking during the investiture, the Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the decision to confer Patronship on Ezisi was in appreciation of his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to the growth of the freight forwarding profession and consistent support for initiatives that promote professionalism and sustainable development within the maritime sector.

Ogbuokiri noted that, as National President of NAGAFF and Managing Director of Emmatoks Agencies Limited, Ezisi has distinguished himself through advocacy for trade facilitation, capacity development and reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency across Nigeria’s ports and logistics value chain.

According to Ogbuokiri, the Freight Forwarder of the Year Award recognises individuals whose leadership, innovation and dedication have made significant impacts on the freight forwarding profession and the nation’s maritime economy.

Ogbuokiri also noted that Micro Freight Consults Limited has distinguished itself through ethical business conduct, operational excellence and quality service delivery, making it a worthy recipient of the prestigious recognition.

He said the award was instituted to celebrate organisations whose contributions continue to advance professionalism, compliance and operational excellence within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“Micro Freight Consults has distinguished itself through professional leadership, unwavering compliance with regulatory requirements and the application of global best practices in customs brokerage. The company has continued to set a benchmark worthy of emulation across the industry,” he said.

Ogbuokiri added that MARCON remains committed to recognising organisations that continue to promote excellence, integrity and innovation, while contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime, logistics and international trade sectors.

Ezisi, who was represented at the event by the National Secretary of NAGAFF, Geoffrey Nwosu, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen freight forwarding practice, improved stakeholder collaboration and contributed to the continued growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Micro Freight Consults Limited, Michael Ebeatu, who was represented by Mr Uche Oyoyo, expressed appreciation to MARCON for the recognition, describing it as a testament to Micro Freight Consults’ commitment to professionalism and quality service delivery.

He said the honour would further motivate the company to sustain its high standards and continue contributing to efficient trade facilitation and the development of Nigeria’s customs brokerage industry.

The conference attracted senior government officials, regulators, port managers, industry operators and maritime professionals who explored strategies for leveraging efficient port infrastructure and Special Economic Zones to drive investment, trade, industrialisation and Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.