Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, has tasked the newly inaugurated executive on policies that would move the association forward.
Aniebonam made the appeal at the inauguration of the sixth National President and new executive committee in Lagos on Monday.
He charged the new executive headed by the National President, Mr Tochukwu Ezisi, to pursue policies that would be beneficial for members.
“The progress of freight forwarding has just started with the new executive, and it is a good thing to see the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) and NAGAFF sitting side by side, coming together to decide on the way forward.
“This inauguration signifies that all the agents of destruction for the past 20 years that want to see the downfall of the associations have failed and so the need to be one,” he said.
On relationship between freight forwarders and government agencies, Aniebonam noted that members should not go to equity with dirty hands, stressing that they should lean on the part of the law.
“Don’t hide under the association to do what is contrary, as when caught, no one will come to stand for you,” he said.
Mr Chidiebere Enelamah, NAGAFF Board Chairman, assured Ezisi of the board’s continuous support to ensure the growth and development of the association.
“Ezisi’s character is well known and appreciated by overwhelming percentage of our teaming members and hence the voice vote that saw him emerging as the sixth president of our association,” Enelamah said.
He urged him to be guided by hard facts as old issues and thoughts of patterns would constantly try to reestablish control over him.
In her goodwill message, ACG Modupe Aremu, urged the new executive to keep the flag flying with integrity and abide by the extant laws of the operation.
“We cannot do without each other, there is a need for improved synergy so that operations will be done smoothly,” Aremu said.
Also sepaking, Mr Tony Nwabunike, President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent, noted that he would work with Ezisi to put a strategy that would enhance the maritime industry.
“I am here with mixed feelings because of what you will face as you take mantle of leadership but I assure you that I will work with you to ensure we reclaim our mantle of mandate from government,” he said.
Responding, Ezisi, National President, NAGAFF said that the hallmark of his administration would centre on constructive engagement with heads of major regulatory agencies to ensure synergy with the association.
He pledged that with members support his administration would ensure NAGAFF key into a good health insurance scheme that would be beneficial to all financial members.
“Considering our numerical strength, I will negotiate a favourable deal with a health insurance policy provider for a good product that will be of benefit to members.
“We shall also institute a comprehensive health insurance scheme and establish a medical health fund to help deserving members subscribe to the scheme,” he said.
Ezisi added that his administration would work with leadership of various branches of NAGAFF and establish working relationship with good hospitals across Nigeria to agree discounts on bills for members.
He called on members to ensure oneness as it was the only way the association would stay focus and forge ahead, irrespective of age, tribe and background.
