The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Trade Facilitation: NAGAFF, PTML Customs Commit To Stronger Partnership
*By Prince Benson Davies*
A renewed partnership for improved port operations and trade facilitation has been sealed between the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders and the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
This followed a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, by the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Chief Ezisi led the newly elected executives of the PTML Chapter of the association on the visit to the Command headquarters in Lagos.
According to the NAGAFF President, the essence of the visit was to formally present the new leadership of the chapter that would be steering its affairs in the next four years and to familiarize them with the leadership of the Command.
He stated that even though introductory letters had been forwarded to heads of departments in the Command, a physical presentation of the executives to the Area Controller was necessary to cement personal relationships and promote smooth operations.
Chief Ezisi reiterated that NAGAFF remains a law-abiding and professional freight forwarding body with a history of constructive engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that compliance and collaboration remain central to its operations.
He appealed to the Controller to keep the channels of communication open and to reach out to the chapter leadership whenever there are operational disagreements, promising that the national body would promptly step in to resolve such matters.
The NAGAFF boss observed that associations of such magnitude naturally have members with varying attitudes and approaches to issues, stressing that good leadership lies in the ability to manage those differences.
He also spoke on the association’s internal compliance and monitoring system, noting that its mantra of If you see something, say something, is a deliberate effort to instill self-regulation and accountability among members.
Chief Ezisi commended the Controller for his assistance to freight forwarders at PTML and solicited for more support, explaining that the running of the national secretariat of NAGAFF depends heavily on inputs from its various chapters.
In his remarks, Deputy Comptroller Miko welcomed the delegation and assured them of the Command’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious working relationship with freight forwarders.
He described the working atmosphere between Customs officers and freight forwarders at PTML as friendly and collaborative, noting that both sides function as members of the same port community.
The Controller lauded NAGAFF for its well-structured administration and its investment in manpower development through its freight forwarding academy, which he said has contributed to enhancing professionalism in the industry.
He acknowledged the regular engagement of Chief Ezisi with the Service and his consistency in ensuring that NAGAFF is represented at stakeholders’ meetings even when he is unavoidably absent.
Deputy Comptroller Miko revealed that the Command is in talks with terminal operators to improve the welfare and working environment of Customs personnel and freight forwarders, expressing optimism that the outcome would be beneficial to all.
He urged freight forwarders not to hesitate to report any act of unprofessional conduct by Customs officers, assuring that such complaints would be looked into and treated appropriately. He also encouraged them to give credit when officers perform creditably.
Miko applauded members of NAGAFF for their exemplary approach to conflict resolution, pointing out that they usually seek dialogue with the Command whenever challenges emerge, and restated the readiness of his management team to continue working with all stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NAGAFF, Dr. Simeon Nwonu, said the visit was like a homecoming, recalling the warm working relationship Deputy Comptroller Miko had with freight forwarders when he served at the Apapa Command.
He said the association was delighted by the Controller’s assurance to keep his doors open and to sustain the accessible leadership style he was known for.
Dr. Nwonu appreciated the Controller and his management team for the warm hospitality accorded them and expressed confidence that NAGAFF members at PTML would continue to enjoy a beneficial relationship with the Command.
He prayed for the career progression of Customs officers and other port stakeholders and called for the sustenance of the existing cooperation between NAGAFF and the Nigeria Customs Service for improved compliance, faster cargo clearance and seamless legitimate trade at the nation’s ports.
