By Amina Ojelabi
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, on Tuesday paid an official visit to the Lagos headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), emphasizing the need for freight forwarders to comply with customs regulations.
Comptroller Olomu, accompanied by senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), was warmly welcomed by the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and other top past and present executives of the association.
During the visit, Olomu highlighted the vital role of NAGAFF in port operations, describing the Association as a key stakeholder in trade facilitation.
He explained that the engagement was in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to deepen collaboration and improve service delivery at Nigeria’s ports.
He urged freight forwarders to make truthful declarations, abide by customs laws, and ensure timely payment of duties, stressing that such actions are essential for efficient port operations.
“NAGAFF has been at the forefront of advancing the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria. We are indeed partners in progress, and sustained collaboration is key to achieving greater results,” Olomu said.
He also acknowledged NAGAFF’s contribution to the Apapa Command’s achievements in revenue generation and trade facilitation, describing the association’s support as pivotal to the Command’s recent successes.
In his response, NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam called on freight forwarders to deepen their knowledge of customs processes and embrace professionalism and industry best practices.
He commended Olomu’s leadership, noting significant improvements at Apapa Port since he assumed office.
“Unprofessional behavior at the port has declined significantly since you took over. We are proud of the transformation at Apapa Port under your leadership,” Dr. Aniebonam stated.
Also speaking, NAGAFF President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, pledged the Association’s continued support for Customs initiatives that foster ease of doing business and align Nigeria’s port operations with global standards.
The visit concluded with the ceremonial decoration of Comptroller Olomu by NAGAFF executives, followed by a photo session with members and leadership of the Association.
Leave a Reply