By Kenneth Jukpor
The two biggest freight forwarding groups in the country, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have struck a new partnership in a bid to tackle and proffer solutions to the multifaceted problems confronting the maritime industry.
Both associations reached this agreement yesterday when the national executives of ANLCA paid a courtesy visit to NAGAFF headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
Noting that the maritime sector has suffered setbacks in the last two years, especially on the aspect of cargo evacuation, the associations agreed that there is a need to be united in order to address most of the issues plaguing practitioners.
Speaking during the working visit by the National Executive Committee (NECOM) of ANLCA led by its President, Mr. Tony Iju Nwabunike assured that the leadership of the ANLCA had come to partner with NAGAFF to find a way to make things work for the growth of the industry.
Nwabunike’s words: “We said we must come here for the first time since we were elected, we should have been here earlier but couldn’t because of some challenges. This is not a speech making day but a day to sit down together and synergise to know exactly how to make things work in this sector.
“Our members have been going through severe and excruciating pains to bring out their containers from the ports. So, I felt it is very important, firstly, to come to have a good working relationship with NAGAFF which I consider very seriously partner and association”
The ANLCA President described NAGAFF as a highly respected association in the sector, adding that the visit was an avenue to share thoughts on the many impediments to the work environment in the sector.
“We need to put our house together as practitioners to get the best of the industry. We must move forward as freight forwarders. We must move our industry forward and address the numerous challenges in the sector. We want to work together because there are many areas that require unity, especially in engaging government agencies, areas of policy formulation and implementation, among others. We are going to have a wonderful and seamless relationship over time,” he added.
Earlier, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche in his welcome address appreciated the visit of the NECOM members of ANLCA even as he quipped that it was necessary for both associations to collaborate for efficient port operations.
He said it was important to understand the problems of the port and coming together to tackle the problems.
While calling on both associations to pursue common goals, he prayed that the friendship that has started between the two groups be sustained.
CAPTION
L-R: National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike, Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and the President of NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche; during the courtesy visit of ANLCA to NAGAFF headquarters, yesterday.
