Prominent logistics expert Dr. Azeez Abayomi Mustapha has issued a strong call to the Federal Government and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to implement mandatory, regular training programmes for clearing agents, citing rampant unprofessionalism and corruption as major threats to Nigeria’s port efficiency and international reputation.
Speaking at the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) Monthly
Round Table, Dr. Mustapha, Managing Principal of AZ De World Cargo Logistics Limited, linked widespread issues like extortion, intimidation, and fraudulent practices at Nigerian ports directly to a lack of qualified personnel.
Key Challenges Highlighted by Dr. Mustapha:
1. The “Polythene Bag” Agent Crisis: Mustapha condemned the prevalence of unregistered individuals operating without offices or proper knowledge, tarnishing the industry’s image and causing significant losses for importers and exporters.
“Customers don’t want excuses; they want solutions and their shipments,” he stated.
2. Policy Whiplash: He criticized the sudden implementation of government and agency policies (from Customs, terminal operators, shipping lines, truckers) without stakeholder consultation, often by non-technocratic political appointees, creating constant instability.
3. E-Call Up System & Extortion: While acknowledging the Eto system improved Apapa port access, Mustapha conceded that embedded extortion persists due to systemic corruption.
“There is a sheer lack of will power” to eliminate it, he lamented, noting the cost ultimately burdens consumers.
4. FOU Operations as Trade Barrier: Mustapha delivered a sharp critique of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) intercepting consignments already cleared by Customs Area Commands.
He argued this “laying of ambush” for extortion is unique to Nigeria and undermines trade facilitation.
“In saner climes, they do not intercept the goods but go for the arrest of the releasing officers.”
5. Integrity as a Business Imperative: Showcasing AZ Logistics’ success built on referrals, Mustapha emphasized integrity.
“We do not intend to compromise our integrity now or any time in future,” highlighting their “End to End” and “Door to Door” global service capabilities.
The Training Solution:
Mustapha positioned regular CRFFN-led training as the critical solution. “Constant training… will go a long way to solving the problem of unprofessionalism.”
He urged licensed operators to vet partners rigorously, avoiding those without physical offices who disappear when problems arise. “Government needs to do more…
We must begin to do things differently.”
Commendations for Customs Leadership:
Amidst the critiques, Mustapha offered strong praise:
*CGC Adeniyi’s WCO Election: He hailed Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) as “one of the best things to happen to Nigeria and Africa,” crediting his professionalism and transformative leadership of the NCS.
*Recognizing Performers: Mustapha specifically commended ACG Charles Orbih (Zone A), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu (Apapa Command), and Comptroller Frank Onyeka (Tincan Island Command) for outstanding revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts.
