APFFLON hails transition at Shippers’ Council, urges Tinubu to appoint seasoned professional

Speaking on behalf of the association, the National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite noted that the maritime industry has endured a period of uncertainty and policy inconsistency, which has significantly impacted port operations, trade facilitation, and cost efficiency within the sector.

According to him, the imminent transition presents a critical opportunity for the Federal Government to reposition the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a truly effective economic regulator that prioritizes the interests of Nigerian shippers, freight forwarders, and the broader economy.

“While we acknowledge the constitutional right of any public officer to pursue political ambition, the maritime industry cannot afford a leadership vacuum or continued misalignment with the realities of port operations. This transition must mark a turning point,” he stated.

APFFLON therefore called on the President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that the next Executive Secretary of the Council is a seasoned professional with deep industry knowledge, practical experience, and a genuine commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The association emphasized that appointing individuals without core industry competence has, in the past, contributed to regulatory inefficiencies, rising port charges, and weak stakeholder confidence.

“We strongly advocate for a technocrat—someone who understands the complexities of freight forwarding, port economics, global shipping dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. The era of political patronage in such a critical agency must give way to competence and capacity,” the statement added.

APFFLON further stressed that the success of ongoing reforms under the Blue Economy initiative depends largely on the quality of leadership in key institutions like the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government and stakeholders to ensure a more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive maritime sector that supports Nigeria’s economic aspirations.