… Association rejigs Apapa, Tincan leadership
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN has set the machinery in motion to accredit the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, APFFLON.
Recall that APFFLON was established about four years ago at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport with Otunba Frank Ogunojemite as its pioneer President and has since expanded to the nation’s seaports and border posts even though it is yet to be accredited by the freight forwarding regulatory Council, CRFFN.
However, the Council recently set up a 6-member committee comprising the CRFFN and APFFLON officials to review the application by the association with a view to ascertain if it meets the requirements spelt out for exercise.
The President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday after the association rejigged its leadership at Apapa chapter informed that APFFLON had agreed to withdraw the legal action it instituted against CRFFN while the Governing Council Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni also set-up the 6-member committee to begin the process of accrediting the association.
Ogunojemite, however, expressed worry over moves by some CRFFN Governing Council members from the five accredited freight forwarding associations to truncate the exercise saying, “A committee was set-up between APFFLON and CRFFN to reconcile the conflicting issues and accredit APFFLON. I see no reason why APFFLON shouldn’t be accredited because we have met all the requirements.
“We deliberated on the court case and agreed to withdraw it as part of the conditions to make peace. However, I’ve received information that in the subsequent meeting of the CRFFN Governing Council, representatives from some freight forwarding associations kicked against APFFLON’s accreditation.
“They ganged against the decision of the Council. I suspect that this is a subtle way of pushing for the 6-6-1-1-1. It is unfortunate that these associations that haven’t paid subscriptions to CRFFN in over six years are stopping other legitimate associations from coming onboard.”
The APFFLON boss further stated that restructuring was ongoing in Apapa chapter of the association because of evolving changes for better input at the chapter adding that the new positions were not permanent but a reflection of the input so far made by those so appointed.
“”APFFLON is the only association that cuts across the nation’s borders and this is evident in the name of the association which carries Africa. The association started out at the airport which is very strategic. However, four years after, we have moved to seaports, border points and other African nations like South Africa and Ghana”, he revealed.
Noting that there is going to be a reassessment of freight forwarding associations in the industry, he encouraged APFFLON members to register with CRFFN and prepare to contest for the next Governing Council elections.
“You should be supporting your chairman, but beyond that, also know that you’re creating a name for yourself. As we watch the Chapter successes, we are also looking at individual performances. If you have an idea, bring it onboard let’s grow by sharing. When there are problems, don’t hesitate to bring it onboard as well. If you don’t have a post today, please don’t be disappointed, you can also make an input in the association. You don’t need a title to contribute to APFFLON’s success,” he added.
In his remarks, the APFFLON Chairman, Apapa Chapter, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan promised that the group will be united, tolerant and display exemplary leadership.
“We have a team that will make APFFLON proud. I can assure you that with this team the sky will be our starting point. There will be unity, peace and notable accomplishments,” Hassan said.
Newly inaugurated Apapa executives were; Vice Chairman, Hon. George Nwokedi; Secretary, Casmir Ezeoke; Financial Secretary, Nwankwo Ifeanyi; Assistant Secretary, Peter Arinze; Treasurer, Stephen Nwaolise; and the Welfare Officer, Abiodun Olufunke Omole.
The erstwhile Vice Chairman of APFFLON Tin Can Island Chapter, Prince Adekunle Ayeni was promoted to national level and replaced by Prince Olugbenga Adetayo.
Photo: Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, President of APFFLON (middle) during the press briefing in Lagos, Tuesday.
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