The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has urged government regulatory agencies in the maritime industry to collaborate with stakeholders through capacity-building workshops to streamline the clearance of cargo at seaports and airports.
The association praised the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adawale Adeniyi, for the recently concluded five-day administrative and operational awareness training programme.
The programme, targeted at declarants (agents), focused on emerging trends in customs clearance processes. APFFLON challenged other agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to emulate the NCS’s dedication to human capital development.
The National President of APFFLON, Frank Ogunojemite, encouraged other government bodies to regularly organise training and sensitisation programmes for maritime industry players. He acknowledged the Customs head for his efforts in training and emphasised the importance of including stakeholders in the World Customs Organisation (WCO) programme and other international conferences.
Ogunojemite highlighted the significant positive impact such initiatives have on participants, aiming to enhance their capacities and transform them into true professionals.
He also lauded the Lagos State Government for improving access to the Tin Can Port corridor, expressing the enthusiasm of freight forwarders and other maritime stakeholders.
He noted the challenging conditions previously faced on that corridor, including loss of lives and permanent disabilities encountered by those navigating the area.
