The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (APFFLON) and Zonal Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are set to establish an intervention committee to deal with illegal shipping charges at the nation’s ports.
Both agencies concluded this arrangement during a recent courtesy visit of APFFLON to the Zonal Director of the anti-graft agency in Lagos, Mr. MT Wetkas.
The visit according to the President APFFLON Otunba Frank Ogunojemite was part of APFFLON’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with key government agencies in addressing pressing issues affecting the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria.
During the meeting, APFFLON Ogunojemite highlighted the challenges faced by their members, particularly regarding unjustified charges imposed by shipping companies.
These charges he said often include excessive rents and demurrage fees, which, according to APFFLON, are deliberately designed to exploit freight forwarders. The association stressed the need for a platform where such grievances can be addressed promptly, without the need for lengthy court battles.
The APFFLON delegation underscored the importance of having government intervention in these matters, emphasizing that the EFCC’s involvement would help expedite the resolution of disputes.
The association noted that relying on the legal system often leads to delays in obtaining justice, which can have a detrimental impact on the industry.
In response, Mr. Wetkas expressed the EFCC’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with citizens and organizations to safeguard national security and the economy.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by APFFLON and assured the association of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate in addressing issues that undermine the economic well-being of the nation.
The APFFLON team also mentioned that this visit was part of a broader outreach to various government agencies and organizations. They revealed that similar invitations had been extended to other bodies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to discuss the broader implications of economic policies and their impact on the freight forwarding industry.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on the importance of creating a platform for dialogue and intervention in cases of injustice within the industry.
APFFLON expressed optimism that this collaboration with the EFCC would lead to more timely and effective resolutions to the challenges faced by their members.
