Friday, 28 July 2023

Freight Forwarders Seeks Attention of Ag. CGC To Discuss Operational Challenges

Freight Forwarders Seeks Attention of Ag. CGC To Discuss Operational Challenges

By: Bisi Akingbade

Chairman of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF,  Tin can Island Chapter, Chief Emeka Paul Chiedozie is urgently appealing to Acting Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to call a town hall meeting were he would have enough time hear directly from Freight Forwarders their operational Challenges.

While speaking on behalf of his members, in Lagos today, he said solutions and suggestions from freight forwarders who are experts and practising in the field will be who more useful than those who sits under Air-conditioning office and use pen and paper to package petitions or recommendations. 

He said "CGC please come and speak directly with practicing Freight Forwarders that are generating the revenue, let's rob mind, the current level of clearing one 40ft  container from the port is almost more than what's inside the container and very frustrating". 

Chiedozie who is also the Managing Director/ CEO of Seagold Limited has commended the Tin-can Island Port Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the command, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede for encouraging Freight Forwarders into exports business.

This commendation is coming on the hills of the success in which the CAC said his Command recorded a total of 291,436.43 metric tonnes in the first half of this 2023.

"am very excited that within a few months of Federal Government lifted the embargo in on exports cargos, the Non-oil export  has grown with figures (153,189.93) metric tonnes through Free On Board (FOB) in the first half of this 2023 from the (138,246.5) metric tonnes it recorded in the corresponding in last year 2022, NCS statistics".

He said "with the increasing rate of bigger vessels coming to Tin Can Island ports of recent am not surprised on the revenue generated from January to June 2023, the goods exported through Tin Can Island Port Complex, TICPC, increased from 138,246.5 (MT) to 291,436.43 (MT) representing an increase of 110.8% when compared to 2022, NCS statistics report".

"I can remember few months ago, I encourage my NAGAFF Tin Can members to diversify into exports, those who took advantage of that opportunity, are all smiling and thanking me today, Life is all about opportunities".

"Freight Forwarding business, is meant for the professionals, those who are hard working and knowns the technicalities involves in clearing. That's why I encourage all my Young NAGAFF Chapter members to learn the job before running after money. With your job experience, a lots of people would see you as consultant, engaged you each time they make mistake during declaration."

"During Cargo declaration, don't be too fast, ask questions, seek professional advice, from any of the NAGAFF Executives or senior freight forwarders, my contact lines are available 24hrs so that you wouldn't be losing your profit and cargoes to the Federal Government." He advised.

Chiegozie, a veteran Freight Forwarder for decades, also suggested that Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Beans, Cashew Nut, Sesame Seeds, Rubber, Empty bottles and copper ingots and woods are agricultural products that are exportable and lucrative.