The National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, to discuss critical issues affecting port operations.
Mu’azu, who is the 33rd Area Controller of the Apapa Command, assumed office on September 29, 2026. He was previously the Comptroller in charge of Tariff and Trade and System Audit at the Customs Headquarters.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between APFFLON and the Nigeria Customs Service, promoting ease of doing business and enhancing compliance with customs regulations.
Both parties underscored the importance of constructive engagement, mutual cooperation and effective communication in facilitating legitimate trade, reducing operational delays and improving efficiency at the nation’s busiest seaport.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Ogunojemite said APFFLON was determined to distinguish itself among the six associations operating in the freight forwarding industry.
He explained that he deliberately wanted APFFLON to be the first association to pay a courtesy visit to the new Area Controller.
The APFFLON president pledged the association’s full cooperation and support to ensure a successful tenure for Mu’azu at Apapa, describing him as a professional with greater heights to attain in the Nigeria Customs Service.
He also reaffirmed APFFLON’s commitment to supporting the Service in promoting regulatory compliance, transparency and a business-friendly maritime environment for the benefit of freight forwarders, importers, exporters and the Nigerian economy.
Responding, Comptroller Mu’azu expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit, describing it as a commendable gesture.
“I am happy to be receiving this delegation today. It is not random for an association like APFFLON to pay a courtesy visit. For them to come for a visit to the Controller and his principal officers, it is worthy of commendation,” he said.
The Comptroller described APFFLON as an association that promotes peace and harmony at the port, noting that none of its members had been found involved in any illegal activity.
He also commended the executives of the APFFLON Apapa Chapter for their conduct, describing them as reasonable leaders who adopt the appropriate channels to resolve issues whenever they arise.
Mu’azu further assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment, promising that freight forwarders would conduct their operations with ease for as long as he remained at the command.
He emphasised that his doors would remain open to the association and promised to encourage his officers to give APFFLON members priority attention in the discharge of their legitimate responsibilities.
