The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has underscored the importance of constructive engagement between freight forwarding associations and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in promoting compliance, improving cargo clearance processes and facilitating legitimate trade at the nation’s ports.

The National President, NAGAFF, Tochukwu Ezisi, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Nura Miko, to formally introduce the newly elected executives of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter.

Ezisi reaffirmed the freight forwarding association’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the lNCS, while urging the PTML Command to sustain its support for freight forwarders.

The NAGAFF president stressed the importance of compliance, professionalism and collaboration in facilitating legitimate trade, describing the freight forwarding association as a law-abiding organisation that has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service.

He urged the Customs boss to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership whenever disagreements or operational challenges arise, assuring him that the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.

In his response, the PTML Customs Area Controller, Nura Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation and described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as cordial.

He disclosed that the command has continued to engage terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for Customs officers and freight forwarders, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to better conditions for stakeholders.

Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.

He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.

Miko reaffirmed his management team’s readiness to sustain its relationship with the association and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.