Wahab Ishola (ANLCA)
I believe it is in the making already, because if we can keep our differences apart and come together for the three days withdrawal of service from the ports, then there is unity amongst the associations.
It’s also up to the top executives of our associations to decide that. But, it’s obvious that ANLCA, NAGAFF and Council of Managing Directors can not do it alone and with time we will get there. The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria should work towards achieving this and serving as our regulator.
Alabi Segun (Clearing Agent)
Yes, it’s obvious; for one reason which is unity; which is the purpose of their coming together to form one body and an unbreakable association. In the past there had been conflicts of interest, but the latest move is towards achieving one objective, which is asking the associations to unify.
Coming together will make room for articulation of views, breaking of new grounds and attract attentions when the need is necessary. It will also be an advantage to the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding.
Their coming together will do a lot of good to all clearing agents. They did it once when the issue of strike was burning, and I believe it should continue, so it shouldn’t be a barrier.
It’s a necessity and it is possible, only if the three associations are willing to let go of all their differences and allow unity and peace so as to move our profession forward.
Lewis Oginni (ANLCA)
It’s a good idea, I support it. It is because of issues like this that the Council was inaugurated. But, because we were not unified before now, we were faced with a lot of challenges such as illegal charges by terminal operators and shipping companies and our voice as freight forwarders is not being heard by the government.
If we all can be united and allow the Council to perform its duties, we will go places and this will boost our profession.
Wole Adejumo (ANLCA)
There is strength in unity, so I support the idea; we have one objective that as a union, you ensure the welfare of your members and things or issues that can enhance promotion of this profession.
Tribes or fractions do not matter, but the professionalism needed in doing what is to be done to enable the government have a listening ear when we call and also to make it known that we are regulated and controlled in unity.
Obom Anne (NAGAFF)
Yes, that was the reason why the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding was inaugurated in the first place and it’s a known fact that no matter the faction that you belong to, you still maintain your identity.
Freight forwarding is a long chain and it does not mean license to operate, the way we do things differ but we all perform the same function. So, the Council will act as our mouth piece and regulator; seeing to the affairs of the freight forwarding in Nigeria.
Walter Onyeasola (NAGAFF, Seme)
In our last meeting, something of this nature was discussed; the chairman was advised on how to bring the agents together on the need to work with other agents. Even though we are on different boards, I prefer the coming together so that whenever there is an emergency, we will be speaking with one voice.
But looking at the leadership, we can’t say for sure if it’s going to take place because everybody must have to agree together.
Mark Hugo (ANLCA, Seme)
It will be good for the three associations to come together, it will be more preferable but the problem to consider in doing this is the leadership.
When everyone is under different bodies, the leadership and policies are different and if they are to come together, there must be an agreement so that we can be taken seriously. However, I must confess that the kind of leadership that we have does not have the interest of the agents at heart and we are not getting the best from them, I doubt if they will even succumb to the idea.
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