The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has said that constant disagreements among freight forwarders have made it difficult for policymakers to consult them on important policies affecting their profession.
Adeniyi, who spoke at an award and dinner event organized by the maritime media in his honor, also criticized the growing number of associations in the freight forwarding sector. He noted that this has led to confusion in policy discussions.
“The story of customs agents is similar to that of maritime journalists in terms of the many associations they have. There are so many different opinions coming from freight forwarders, and this does not help policymakers,” he said.
He explained that the government wants to engage customs agents in policy discussions but finds it difficult due to their divided voices.
“The policymakers want to respect them by consulting them on matters related to their profession, but their lack of unity makes such consultations difficult,” he added.
Adeniyi urged former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Prince Shittu Olayiwola, and Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, Alhaji Akeem Olanrewaju, to lead efforts in uniting freight forwarders. He said their experience and influence in the industry could help bring all groups under one umbrella.
