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The National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and maritime industry stakeholders to protect freight forwarding operations and facilitate seamless cargo movement across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, the APFFLON President highlighted operational challenges confronting freight forwarders, particularly those related to cargo transportation, logistics coordination, and the movement of goods within Lagos and beyond. He stressed that sustained engagement between security agencies and industry operators remains critical to ensuring a safe, efficient, and business-friendly environment for trade.
A major focus of the discussion was the recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police on the enforcement against unregistered vehicles nationwide. While expressing APFFLON’s support for lawful measures aimed at enhancing security and promoting proper vehicle documentation, Ogunojemite urged the Police to ensure adequate public sensitization and consideration for genuine operators, importers, vehicle dealers, and logistics service providers.
According to him, freight forwarding and logistics services are indispensable components of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, serving as vital links in port operations, supply chains, and economic development.
He warned that enforcement exercises, if not carefully implemented, could inadvertently disrupt legitimate business activities and hinder the efficient movement of cargo, with potential implications for trade facilitation and revenue generation.
“The freight forwarding and logistics sector plays a strategic role in supporting port operations and national economic growth. It is therefore important that enforcement measures are carried out in a manner that safeguards lawful business activities while achieving their intended objectives,” Ogunojemite stated.
Responding, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police assured the APFFLON delegation of the Command’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and stakeholder engagement. He reiterated the readiness of the Lagos State Police Command to collaborate with industry operators while ensuring compliance with extant laws and directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Police would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to promote public safety, enhance security, and maintain an enabling environment for businesses operating within Lagos State.
APFFLON reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, regulatory compliance, and constructive engagement with government agencies, noting that stronger partnerships between security institutions and industry players remain essential for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s freight forwarding, logistics, and maritime sectors.
