The National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, has called on leaders and stakeholders within Nigeria’s freight forwarding and maritime industry to urgently reflect on the state of unity and collective responsibility in the sector, warning that persistent division could undermine its strategic importance to the nation’s economy.
In a statement made available to the media, Ogunojemite stressed that the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and trade competitiveness. However, he expressed concern that rivalry, unnecessary confrontations, and actions capable of creating confusion within the system are weakening the industry’s relevance and credibility at a critical time.
He noted that leadership within the freight forwarding profession must be guided by maturity, vision, and responsibility rather than personal interests or association-based conflicts. According to him, the profession thrives on coordination, structured engagement, and collective advocacy, adding that when leaders fail to promote harmony, the entire industry inevitably suffers the consequences.
Ogunojemite further pointed to the opportunities presented by the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said offers significant prospects for transformation in the maritime space, including port reforms, trade facilitation, digitalisation, and broader economic expansion. He maintained that meaningful contribution to this national vision requires a united front among practitioners and stakeholders in the industry.
He warned that failure to align around shared goals could weaken the sector’s negotiating power, reduce its policy influence, and discourage investor confidence, thereby slowing sustainable growth. The APFFLON president emphasized that unity remains the strongest tool for strengthening advocacy, enhancing stability, and positioning the industry as a constructive partner in national development.
Describing the maritime industry as too strategic to be weakened by internal fragmentation, Ogunojemite urged stakeholders to rise above personal interests and association rivalry in order to safeguard the integrity and future of the profession. He called for dialogue over division, collaboration over confrontation, and progress over politics, insisting that a united freight forwarding community would command greater respect both nationally and internationally.
He reaffirmed APFFLON’s commitment to fostering harmony within the maritime community, promoting constructive engagement with government, and advancing responsible leadership across the sector.
“In unity, our voice is stronger. In unity, our industry is respected. In unity, we secure the future of freight forwarding in Nigeria,” he stated.
