Vincent Toritseju
23 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — CHAIRMAN of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustee of the International Freight Forwarders Association, Mr. Peter Obi has said that the various freight forwarding groups that were supposed to protect the interest of practitioners have failed to live up to their obligations.
While speaking in Lagos recently, Mr. Obi said that the debut of the International Freight Forwarders Association should not be seen as a tool to enrich the pockets of the executives, rather, it should be seen as a call to service.
The seasoned freight forwarder also said that the inauguration of the new freight forwarding group marks the beginning of a new way of practice of the profession adding that the group must be well coordinated at all times.
He also admonished members to get educated and become well informed about the practice of freight forwarding and its applications to international trade.
He said “Go out there and make a name for yourself and money will come. Other associations have failed freight forwarders, do not allow this new group to go the same way”.
“There was a time government was afraid of freight forwarders because we were a force to reckon with, let us regain our lost glory, make IFFA the envy of other associations.
“Some of us here have made money, we are working for our children and our boys to grow.
“With this inauguration, fear has entered the minds of other stakeholders, let us be our brother’s keeper, always lend a helping hand to any member in trouble.
“Your attitude and behaviour in the field of practice will sell the association, be decent in your dealing with other stakeholders in the port.
At the end of the day, let us leave a worthy legacy, let us not behave like touts in the course of doing our business.”
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Mr. Kayode Farinto said that ‘Mr. Peter Obi is a member of our Board of Trustee and has been given a two weeks ultimatum to correct his way or face sanctions.
“I will comment after the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum.”