The President General of the Nigerian Association of Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), Dr. Adeyinka Bakare has called on members of the association to apply and insist on professionalism in all their transactions and practices such that gives all parties complete satisfaction.
Adeyinka who made this call while inaugurating the new Port-Harcourt chapter office of the association in Rivers State yesterday advised members to acquaint themselves with most, if not all, the various applicable conventions, laws and regulations for transportation of goods by various modes and the Standard Trading Conditions of freight forwarding practice in the country to guide and determine the contractual relationship between them and their customers.
He said, “Whatever you do, it is my encouragement and that of NAFFAC that you do apply yourselves towards enhancing the fortunes of this our great country through abstaining from and rejecting practices that sully and tarnish the name of the country, yourselves and NAFFAC. In this regard, I want to give kudos to our Association in that we have not had instances of dirty practice such as dealing in illegal substances affecting any of our member companies or personnel. This is a measure of the discipline we find at NAFFAC and I beseech you to uphold it.”
The President General reminded them that of the have various regulatory agencies with which they interact adding that “it is quite paramount we understand their various roles and what are not their roles according to the national laws setting them up.”
He continued, “In this regard, we encourage you to acquaint yourselves with relevant provisions of such laws as Customs & Excise Management Act, Nigerian Shippers Council Act, NCAA’s Civil Aviation Act 2006, FAAN Act 9 of 1996 as amended by Decree 52 of 1996, Council, for Regulations of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Act 16, 2007, NAFDAC Act, Standard Organization of Nigeria Act and SONCAP, etc. Understanding the relevant provisions of these Acts enables you perform within the law and these are easily accessible through the websites of the various organizations.
“In the above regard, I should inform you that your primary authorization to act as a corporate or individual freight forwarder comes from the CRFFN and you need to be registered with CRFFN before you can be deemed to be a freight forwarder and lawfully transact with your clients, airlines, shipping lines, Customs, NCAA, Inland Waterways, etc. Let me inform you that CRFFN came into being upon many and various meetings of freight forwarders under the auspices of Nigerian Shippers Council at Lagos and in these NAFFAC was involved all the way through to the public hearings of the Bill at the National Assembly. I should also inform you that you President-General is one of the elected members of the Governing Council of the CRFFN following the last election of freight forwarders into the Council in 2018.”
The PG while admonishing them to be guided by the National Constitution of NAFFAC and the Lagos Chapter Bye Laws to draw up theirs, however reminded them that membership of NAFFAC is based on corporate life.
“NAFFAC is an association of companies and is therefore not a trade union and undue activism is not in our character. You are free to levy your member companies as per your Bye Law, namely; monthly dues, operating fees, POF as soon as it becomes operational by CRFFN, etc.
“As I have earlier stated, NAFFAC is a quiet Association and internal crisis is almost a taboo. I wish this Chapter all the goodwill from other members and ask for nothing more than understanding and co-operation with your Chapter Executive in moving your Chapter and NAFFAC forward and thereby enhancing personal and inter-member co-operation and relationship. We remain available to assist you in resolving operational issues you may be having and do ask you to adopt all possible measures to remain at peace with your operating environment.
“As I and my team return to Lagos, it is my candid aspiration and hope that we are carrying along with us your aspirations of a better and stronger group of freight forwarders in Port-Harcourt. I and my team here thank you and greet you on behalf of our members across the country”, he advised.
Photo: NAFFAC President General, Dr. Adeyinka Bakare addressing members at Port-Harcourt chapter during the inauguration of the chapter office yesterday.
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