Maritime Agencies
Freight Forwarders Unite, Refocus To Enhance Desired Relevance
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Freight forwarders of different persuasions who recently converged at the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN) Headquarters, Life Camp, Abuja, under the aegis of the Freight Forwarders Consultative Forum (FFCF) came with one clear purpose.
The aim, they said, is to refocus and bring a fresh reawakening and more purposeful approach in addressing issues of concern to all and sundry, a gap they say the numerous associations have failed to fill.
The inaugural meeting attended by representatives of freight forwarding groups identified issues affecting practitioners and port users while carrying out their businesses.
Grey areas that needed immediate attention for the benefit of freight forwarders were isolated and exhaustively discussed. The smooth carriage of businesses at the seaports and other international
gateways into the country was the focus.
The Forum came up with suggestions on the way
forward in addressing their numerous challenges with the aim of pursuing and achieving the overall
regulatory functions of the CRFFN as mandated by Act No 16 of 2007.
After exhaustive deliberations, the FFCF came up with a communique with far-reaching resolutions prominent among which is to ensure the inclusion of a representative of the FFCF on the Governing Board of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as well as deploying professional engagements in resolving all Customs trade-related
disputes and conflicts while exploring the tenets of international best
practices.
The Forum also resolved to support government to ensure that the Ease of
Doing Business Policy is fully harnessed by freight forwarders while the authorities are mandated to fully digitalize and automate shipping company and terminal operations documentation processes to
promote paperless transaction in the cargo clearance chain in line with
global best practices.
While endorsing inter-agency collaborations among government agencies and
service providers, the Forum sued for the extension of
the regulatory functions of the CRFFN to Haulage/Trucking
operators as an integral part of the Freight Forwarding scope.
The Forum will collaborate with relevant authorities to encourage and
sustain the use of NPA’s truck call-up system
to end traffic gridlocks within the ports access roads and adjoining
corridors leading to the ports.
The Forum is to work against any legislation that
promotes the dominance of foreigners against
indigenous practitioners from securing Freight Forwarding contracts in
Nigeria.
FFCF supports adequate logistics for the CRFFN to properly carry out its professional regulatory functions,
as this is germane to the success of the Council’s mandate.
There is need to expand the FFCF to include other critical stakeholders such as Nigerian Shippers
Council, Importers, Shipping Companies, Terminal Operators, etc, in line with the CRFFN regulatory provisions.
FFCF insists on full automation of all Customs processes to reduce physical
contact between the freight forwarders and the
Customs, while promoting paperless transaction in the clearance
documentation process.
The CRFFN Governing Council Board should address the incessant neglect of the provisions of the CRFFN Act 16, 2007
by the Nigeria Customs.
FFCF canvasses for the inclusion of Professional Freight Forwarders in all
National Committees related to international trade and logistics. These include
the National Committee on Trade Facilitation, AfCFTA, etc.
The Council should review various categories of her
membership – individual, corporate, and the
associations with the view to update the Register of Freight Forwarders of
Nigeria in line with the CRFFN Act No 16 of 2007.
CRFFN should visit sister agencies and service providers to
familiarize and synergize in addressing numerous challenges
facing freight forwarders.
FFCF undertakes to join in fighting corruption in all ramifications at seaports, airports and land
borders.
The Forum is to probe the
opening of Form “M”; the issuance of PAAR; multiplicity of Customs adhoc intervention teams; exploitation by other government agencies such as SON, NAFDAC, Quarantine, the
disruption of cargo clearance process by the Police; etc., with the aim to
create conducive and enabling business environment for her teeming
members.
Practitioners should forward to the FFCF their position papers on the identified issues in the course of carrying
out their businesses at the various entry points and hinterland connections to
the ports. These should include the noticeable infractions in the roles of government agencies, the service providers and other ancillary parties.
FFCF resolved to create smaller work groups to effectively
monitor activities of various parties such as Customs, terminal operators and other agencies critical in freight forwarding
operations.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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