The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has formally inaugurated new executives for its Seme and PTML chapters, while also introducing Chief Gambo Suleiman as the Western Zonal Coordinator of the association.
The inauguration ceremony, which drew executives of the association from the various chapters was marked by renewed calls for unity, accountability, and proactive representation of practitioners in national policy matters.
The event produced new leaders at strategic border and port chapters of APFFLON, with Forwarder Elufioye Johnson Segun emerging as Chairman of the Seme Chapter, and Siyanbola Taiwo Rasheed inaugurated as Chairman of the PTML Chapter. Their appointments, alongside that of Chief Gambo Suleiman as Western Coordinator, are expected to strengthen APFFLON’s grassroots presence and broaden its influence within the industry, particularly in the western corridor which hosts some of Nigeria’s busiest entry points.
In his address, APFFLON National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, highlighted the association’s achievements over the years, stressing that APFFLON has consistently demonstrated commitment to defending the collective interest of freight forwarders in Nigeria.
According to him, the association has been invited several times to the National Assembly to deliberate on policies affecting the freight forwarding community, underscoring its relevance and credibility.
“APFFLON has always risen to defend the industry and ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels of government,” Ogunojemite said. He recalled instances where the association’s interventions helped forestall losses worth millions of dollars, while also providing technical input on matters relating to customs operations, wealth containment, and trade facilitation.
He noted that APFFLON has been instrumental in pushing back against unfavourable policies, citing the association’s interventions during discussions around the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Nigeria Customs Service reforms. “We have been able to rally stakeholders, engage the legislature, and take matters to court when necessary. This is because we believe in transparency, accountability, and justice,” he added.
Ogunojemite further disclosed that APFFLON currently has not less than five pending legal cases filed in defence of freight forwarders’ rights, stressing that the association will continue to pursue fairness and equity within the maritime sector.
He reminded members of the importance of individual and corporate registration under the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Act, while also criticizing the lapses in the operational connection between CRFFN and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Also speaking at the inauguration, Mr.Kola Rasheed from the Research, Strategic Planning and Research Evaluation Division of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), assured APFFLON of the Council’s continuous support. He said the NSC recognises the challenges faced by freight forwarders and is committed to working with stakeholders like APFFLON to provide lasting solutions.
According to him, the Council is already considering several interventions across both the eastern and western corridors, visiting critical facilities and engaging operators to resolve persistent bottlenecks. He confirmed that NSC had received letters from APFFLON on specific issues and assured members that the Council was already working on resolutions, including pending approvals expected to ease operations for freight forwarders.
“We want you to escalate those issues you are facing, and we assure you that we will give the necessary solutions that will make your situation better. The Shippers’ Council is ready to partner with you to find a way forward,” Saakola told the gathering.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of APFFLON, Airport Chapter commended the national leadership for expanding the association’s structure and described the inauguration of new executives at Seme, PTML, and the zonal level as a bold step that would strengthen representation across all entry points. He urged the new leaders to uphold integrity and work tirelessly to protect the interest of their members.
“The responsibility placed on you today is not just a title, but a call to service. The challenges in our sector are enormous, but with unity, courage, and dedication, APFFLON will continue to stand tall as the voice of freight forwarders,” the Airport Chapter Chairman said.
He added that the aviation corridor would continue to work in synergy with land borders and seaport chapters to ensure APFFLON remains a formidable force in Nigeria’s logistics chain.
Responding after his inauguration, Chief Gambo Suleiman, the new Western Zonal Coordinator, pledged to use his position to unite chapter executives under his zone while advancing the association’s cause across western ports and border posts. Similarly, Fwdr. Olufioye Johnson Segun of the Seme Chapter and Siyanbola Taiwo Rasheed of PTML vowed to work in synergy with the national body in addressing challenges faced by freight forwarders, particularly issues around customs procedures, border bottlenecks, and trade facilitation.
The ceremony ended with a charge to members to remain committed and active in APFFLON’s activities, as the body strengthens its structure nationwide and continues to advocate for better operational conditions for freight forwarders across Nigeria’s ports, airports, and borders.
