Amidst intricate challenges plaguing the freight forwarding industry, the Commissioner of Police for the Western Port Command; Olanrewaju Ishola has pledged his unwavering support to confront and address these pressing issues head-on.
The Commissioner of Police made this promise during a familiarization visit to the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, where he harped on solidarity and understanding between law enforcement and the freight forwarding community.
During the meeting, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi highlighted challenges being encountered by freight forwarders, including interference from the Assistant Inspector General, Maritime Office affecting container access.
Chief Ezisi also lamented the menace or cargo clearance delays, increased demurrage, and concerns regarding officers stationed at Apapa’s roundabout. He noted that these challenges have greatly affected the businesses in Nigeria and the economy at large.
In response, Ishola commended the association’s members, assuring them of addressing their grievances promptly by forwarding them to the necessary authorities for action.
The Police helmsman however pledged his unwavering support to establish a secure working atmosphere for freight forwarders. According to him, this will help in mitigating the challenges faced in the freight forwarding industry.
On his part, the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, expressed gratitude to Police Commissioner, while urging all NAGAFF members to abide by the law. He emphasized on the necessity of collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, reinforcing the commitment to lawful conduct within the freight forwarding community. “Anyone found in criminality is on his own”, Dr. Aniebonam warned.
