By Joshua Yousouph
The Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), urging freight-forwarding associations to work together and speak with one voice in their engagement with the Service.
The call was made when the executive members of AREFFN, led by its Acting President, Chief Frank Obiekezie, paid a courtesy visit to the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. For AREFFN, the visit formed part of its efforts to strengthen its relationship with Customs and other stakeholders while promoting a more coordinated approach among freight-forwarding associations and addressing issues affecting indigenous practitioners.
Speaking during the visit, Obiekezie said the association was working towards greater cooperation among freight-forwarding associations, stressing the need for a common front that would facilitate effective engagement with Customs.
He also sought the support of the NCS for a seamless cargo clearance process, equal treatment among recognised associations, training and professional development of freight forwarders, as well as attention to concerns surrounding foreign participation in freight forwarding businesses traditionally undertaken by Nigerians.
Obiekezie, who said he had been in the freight-forwarding business since 1987, noted that freight forwarders and Customs-licensed agents remained critical to the nation’s trade facilitation process.
According to him, the existence of several associations within the freight-forwarding sector should not translate into rivalry, as the different associations were primarily concerned with retaining, developing and training their members.
He said, “We are not fighting over anything,” while stressing the importance of cooperation among associations and stakeholders in the sector.
Obiekezie further expressed concern over the dwindling fortunes of indigenous freight forwarders, saying that many operators had left the business while those still operating were facing increasing challenges.
He particularly raised concerns about the participation of foreigners in areas of the Nigerian freight-forwarding business, arguing that greater attention should be paid to protecting opportunities for Nigerians. “There is no reason why a foreigner should be a customs agent in Nigeria,” he said,
He called for greater scrutiny of foreign participation in the sector and emphasised the need to ensure that Nigerians were not displaced from legitimate economic opportunities.
The AREFFN Acting President also highlighted the need to focus on young Nigerians, saying the association wanted to contribute to developing a new generation of professionals in the freight-forwarding industry. He said the sector required a change in mindset alongside technological and institutional reforms.
“We must reform our minds,” Obiekezie said, stressing that reforms would have limited impact if stakeholders did not embrace ethical and attitudinal changes.
He also acknowledged that freight forwarders and Customs officers had at times experienced challenges in their interactions, calling for improved relationships and constructive engagement.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Area Command, Comptroller EOA Osoba, emphasised collaboration between Customs, freight forwarders, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Osoba cautioned against an “us against them” approach, saying such an attitude was counterproductive to the development of the nation’s trade environment.
According to him, Customs officers, agents and other stakeholders were partners within the Nigerian community and should therefore work together to address challenges affecting the sector. “We are all equal citizens. We are not separate classes. So collaboration is key for us,” Osoba said.
He stressed that collaboration should go beyond occasional meetings, advocating constant engagement among Customs, freight forwarders and other stakeholders.
The Comptroller also explained that Customs’ responsibilities extended beyond revenue collection to protecting society through intelligence gathering, interception of illicit goods and enforcement of relevant regulations. He urged freight forwarders and other stakeholders to understand their respective responsibilities, comply with established rules and maintain high standards of integrity.
Osoba also called for proper questioning and physical examination where necessary, noting that both sides had responsibilities in ensuring that cargo was handled in accordance with applicable procedures. He stressed the importance of compliance, particularly consistent compliance, as a basis for smoother trade facilitation.
The Customs Area Comptroller further drew attention to the importance of Advance Ruling System (ARS) in facilitating international trade, urging freight forwarders to encourage importers to utilise the mechanism where applicable.
He explained that Advance Ruling System could provide clarity on issues relating to the classification, valuation and applicable rules for goods before they are brought into the country, thereby supporting predictability and compliance.
Osoba urged freight forwarders to educate their clients on the importance of complying with Customs requirements, noting that businesses that consistently comply with established rules would be better positioned to benefit from trade facilitation measures.
The engagement ended with both sides stressing the importance of continued cooperation, professional conduct, compliance and constructive engagement in improving Nigeria’s cargo clearance and trade facilitation environment.
