The National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi has called for urgent modernization of the nation’s seaports.
Ezisi who stated this in his acceptance speech shortly after he was decorated as a Patron of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at its fourth Maritime Annual Lecture (MAMAL) in Lagos recently, emphasized that automation, digitalization and smart infrastructure are essential to making the country a competitive maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Describing port modernisation as a necessity rather than a choice, he noted that speed, efficiency and transparency have become critical determinants of competitiveness in the global economy.
According to Ezisi, Nigeria needs to build ports where cargo clearance is seamless, digital systems replace excessive paperwork, and logistics processes are integrated, predictable and efficient.
He also condemned the multiplicity of charges at Nigerian ports, describing excessive tariffs, overlapping levies and other costs as detrimental to the country’s competitiveness.
The NAGAFF National President enjoined the government and port stakeholders to rationalise port charges, ensure transparency and benchmark Nigeria’s tariff regime against international standards to attract more shippers, investors and business partners.
On the broader competitiveness question, he identified efficiency, cost rationalisation and infrastructure investment as three key pillars required to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He called for reduced cargo turnaround time, elimination of bottlenecks, a fair and transparent tariff regime, as well as investment in deep-sea ports, modern terminals and multimodal transportation networks.
Said he: “These pillars will position Nigeria as a competitive hub under the AfCFTA framework, unlocking opportunities for trade expansion and national prosperity.”
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, private terminal operators, freight forwarders and the international shipping community, maintaining that port modernisation could not be achieved in isolation.
He assured that NAGAFF remained committed to advocacy, partnership and constructive engagement in support of reforms capable of benefiting all stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Expressing gratitude to MARAN for honouring him as a Patron, he said the recognition was not merely personal but a reflection of a shared commitment to building a transparent, accountable and development-driven maritime industry.
Ezisi used the occasion to pat MARAN on the back for its role in maritime journalism, particularly its contribution to accountability and informed dialogue within the sector.
He enjoined the association to continue serving as the conscience of the maritime industry and to inspire younger journalists to uphold integrity, professionalism and the pursuit of progress.
Said he: “Together, let us build ports that are modern, competitive and reflective of Nigeria’s aspiration as a maritime powerhouse.”
Founder of NAGAFF and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam had earlier expressed support for the current leadership of MARAN, describing the association as a strategic stakeholder in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Aniebonam who said he had been a Patron of MARAN for many years, acknowledged past disagreements between NAGAFF and the association but declared that he was prepared to work with the current MARAN leadership.
According to him, the present leadership had demonstrated a determination to reposition the association and pledged NAGAFF’s support for its activities.
He also commended MARAN for making Ezisi its Patron just as he described the NAGAFF President as a “capacity person” capable of contributing meaningfully to the industry.
Aniebonam enjoined maritime journalists to remain committed to truth and responsible reporting, stressing that the country could only move forward when stakeholders were prepared to confront difficult issues honestly.
