APFFLON Takes Initiative on Customs CG’s call for Freight Forwarders Unity, Visits ANLCA, Seeks Arbitration on Legal Disputes

By DAPO OLAWUNI

In line with the recent call by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for unity among freight forwarding associations in the Nigerian maritime sector, the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has taken a step forward by seeking out of court settlement with Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) over pending court cases.

President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite who led members of APFFLON on a courtesy visit to the ANLCA National Secretariat on Tuesday were received by its National President, Emenike Nwokeoji and his Vice, Prince Segun Oduntan.

Ogunojemite emphasized the importance of unity within the freight forwarding sector to contribute to port reform and progress. He described the visit as a “historic visit that needs to ignite unity among associations.”

The meeting also addressed the ongoing legal disputes between APFFLON and ANLCA. “We have some cases in court that we cannot talk about it in the media, But the case has been in court before the this present ANLCA President resumed his office. We are looking at the way to have arbitration within ourselves” Ogunojemite said

The APFFLON President acknowledged the Comptroller General of Customs’ call for harmonious collaboration and unity among freight forwarding associations, describing it as a step forward so as to enable the freight practitioners benefit and contribute positively to the industry.

When asked directly about APFFLON’s readiness for such a move, Ogunojemite said “Of course, we believe it would work. You can see APFFLON is hybrid and we are ready to unite, to bridge, to fill all the gap and lacuna that has been opened in the industry.”

Ogunojemite further highlighted APFFLON’s ambition to expand its reach beyond Nigeria, mentioning the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the desire to benefit from a unified African market.

Regarding the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the accreditation of associations, Ogunojemite addressed the issue of associations that have not met the required standards.

“The accreditation of associations is not permanent, it’s subject to review.
You can see how the president of ANLCA has said that some of these associations were not being formed properly and they are not meeting the requirements set by the CRFFN Act, instead of them being able to review themselves, they are even going lower than the standard expected of them. So it is high time for the new Registrar of CRFFN to take a look into this matter and review the accreditation of freight forwarding associations under the Council” he said

On his part, the National President of ANLCA, Emenike Nwokeoji said the meeting was to discuss matters of common interest, particularly the existing legal case between the two associations.

“It will not be fair for us to continue to remain in court, we have to look at the matter and see how we can resolve it, just for us to cooperate and work towards the interest of the profession”

Emenike reiterated his support for the Comptroller General of Customs’ call for unity among freight forwarding associations.

While highlighting ANLCA’s democratic structure and open door policy, Emenike said “In ANLCA, we have always been ready, our arms and hands are open. As you already know, we are the only association that is fully democratized and gives everybody the window to come into the association and be whatever you wish to be, this is unlike other associations where they do appointments.

“People sometimes create all these associations because they want to bear the name ‘Chairman or ‘President. But for you to be a good leader, you must be a good follower.

“In ANLCA, we groom our leaders. When I attempted to be president of ANLCA in 2018 and failed, it did not stop me from being a member of ANLCA, I continued, and to the glory of God, the election favored me after about five years.

“So, that’s the uniqueness of ANLCA, we don’t have a founder, everybody is a joiner.

“We are ready to welcome anybody and to partner even to work together with people. But the problem is that some people make their living through opposing ANLCA.
Once we take a position, they will go the other way so that their palms will be greased.

“It is obvious, you know, if not, these are issues that are affecting the industry, so why are you forming opposition on matters of general concern. If you are comfortable, what about your relations?
“Look at this 4% FOB raised by customs, how many associations talked about it? But I signed this statement personally” he said

ANLCA President also raised concerns about the Customs Service’s focus on revenue generation, arguing that their primary role should be border control and trade facilitation

“The customs all over the world is not all about revenue generation. It’s not their primary role, It’s only in Nigeria that I see them as generating revenue. Their function is border control and trade facilitation, but here now, they are major revenue earner. If you give them target this year, next year, you double it, and nobody’s looking at the trade to the economy” he said