The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APPFLON) has officially sought a strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle fraudulent activities and promote transparency in Nigeria’s burgeoning blue and green economies.
This collaboration aims to bolster the fight against corruption within these vital sectors and to ensure ethical practices prevail, fostering growth and sustainability.
The President of APPFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, made the call for collaboration during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Office of the EFCC on Thursday, 22nd August 2024. The meeting was seen as a pivotal moment in APPFLON’s mission to clean up the logistics and freight forwarding industry, and it was well-received by the leadership of the EFCC.
During his address, Otunba Ogunojemite commended the EFCC for its unwavering efforts to curb corruption and financial crimes throughout Nigeria. He hailed the meeting as “a significant milestone” in APPFLON’s history and a step forward in fostering a more ethical business environment.
“Our visit today is not just symbolic, but a decisive moment in our quest for a corruption-free logistics and freight forwarding industry. The EFCC has made commendable strides in its efforts to ensure integrity across various sectors, and we are eager to work with them in promoting transparency in ours,” said Ogunojemite.
Ogunojemite further noted that the logistics and freight forwarding sector plays a critical role in Nigeria’s blue and green economies. The blue economy refers to economic activities that revolve around oceans, seas, and other bodies of water, including shipping and port activities, while the green economy focuses on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Both sectors have significant potential for boosting Nigeria’s economy but are vulnerable to corrupt practices that can stifle their growth.
“By working together with the EFCC, we hope to reinforce the fight against corruption within our industry and create a more transparent, ethical, and professionally sound environment. It is through such partnerships that we can safeguard our industries and drive them towards their full potential,” Ogunojemite added.
Nigeria’s blue and green economies are increasingly seen as crucial sectors for sustainable development. The blue economy, comprising maritime activities like shipping, port operations, and fisheries, is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and a source of employment for millions. Meanwhile, the green economy, focusing on renewable energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture, represents the future of Nigeria’s development agenda as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.
However, both sectors are rife with challenges, particularly regarding corruption, regulatory lapses, and inefficiencies that can impede growth. The logistics and freight forwarding industry, which serves as a crucial artery for trade and commerce in the blue economy, is not immune to these issues. Fraudulent practices, such as under-declaration of goods, bribery, and falsification of documents, continue to be a significant concern.
APPFLON has long championed the need for greater regulation, transparency, and ethical practices within the logistics and freight forwarding industry. The Association believes that these principles are essential for ensuring that Nigeria’s blue and green economies can flourish without being hindered by corruption and malpractices.
By seeking a formal partnership with the EFCC, APPFLON is demonstrating its commitment to these values and its willingness to take proactive steps to curb the excesses of bad actors in the industry. Ogunojemite expressed optimism that such collaboration would lead to the development of new policies, increased enforcement of regulations, and the establishment of an industry-wide code of conduct.
“APPFLON is determined to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the logistics and freight forwarding industry. We are confident that by working with the EFCC, we can create a robust framework that discourages fraudulent activities and promotes ethical business practices across the board,” Ogunojemite stated.
In his response, the Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Michael T. Wetkas, expressed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with APPFLON in the fight against corruption within Nigeria’s blue and green economies. Wetkas acknowledged the significance of the logistics and freight forwarding sector in the country’s economic development and assured that the EFCC would work diligently to ensure that corrupt practices are eradicated.
“We are pleased to see APPFLON taking the initiative to ensure integrity within its sector. The EFCC is fully committed to fighting corruption wherever it exists, and we look forward to building a productive partnership with your Association,” Wetkas said.
Wetkas further emphasised that the EFCC’s efforts in fighting corruption extend beyond punitive measures. The Commission is also focused on preventive strategies, including working closely with industry stakeholders to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement safeguards against financial crimes.
The proposed collaboration between APPFLON and the EFCC is expected to involve joint efforts in monitoring, enforcement, and advocacy. This may include regular audits, training programmes on compliance and ethics, and the establishment of a joint task force to investigate reported cases of fraud in the logistics and freight forwarding industry.
By working together, APPFLON and the EFCC aim to create an environment where corruption is no longer tolerated, and businesses can thrive in a fair and transparent system. For Nigeria’s blue and green economies, this partnership represents a critical step towards unlocking their full potential while ensuring sustainability and ethical growth.
APPFLON’s call for collaboration with the EFCC marks a turning point in the fight against corruption within Nigeria’s logistics sector. With both parties committed to this cause, there is hope that the blue and green economies will be better protected, allowing for continued development and prosperity in these key industries.
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