By Joy Enamuna

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed concern over the increasing fragmentation within the freight forwarding and maritime media sectors, stating that the proliferation of associations is creating confusion and making it difficult for the government to engage effectively with stakeholders on policy matters.

Adeniyi made this remark on Thursday, February 13, 2025, during an Award and Dinner Night organized in his honor by maritime journalists in Lagos. The event was attended by top customs officials, freight forwarders, and key industry stakeholders who gathered to recognize his leadership in the maritime and trade sectors.

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi noted that conflicting positions from various freight forwarding associations have made it challenging for policymakers to consult the industry on key decisions affecting their profession. He pointed out that while the government is willing to engage with the sector, the multiple and often discordant voices coming from different associations make meaningful consultation difficult.

He urged freight forwarding groups to come together under one umbrella, ensuring that their concerns and recommendations are effectively communicated to the government. He emphasized that a unified voice would enhance their credibility and influence in policy discussions. To drive this unification effort, he called on industry leaders such as Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and Alhaji Akeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council (CCC), to lead discussions aimed at consolidating the various freight forwarding associations.

Currently, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) recognizes multiple associations, including ANLCA, NAGAFF, the Council of Managing Directors, and AREFF. However, these groups have often accused the government of excluding them from critical policy discussions. A recent example was the introduction of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, which was later suspended after strong opposition from industry players who claimed they were not consulted before the policy was implemented.

Adeniyi also addressed the maritime media sector, urging journalists to consolidate their various associations to enhance their influence and improve their members’ welfare. He pointed out that a stronger, unified maritime media body would have better access to opportunities such as life insurance, housing schemes, and professional development programs. He assured journalists that he would personally advocate for their welfare among industry stakeholders and government agencies if they worked towards greater collaboration.

The event was significant as six major maritime journalism groups came together to honor Adeniyi for his outstanding leadership. The participating associations included the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), League of Maritime Editors (LOME), Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria (OMMAN), and Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP).

In recognition of his contributions to the maritime and trade sectors, the journalists presented Adeniyi with the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024” award, describing him as a transformative leader in customs administration.

The ceremony highlighted the urgent need for unity within the freight forwarding and maritime media sectors, reinforcing the message that collaboration is essential for stronger industry engagement and policy influence.