The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, AREFFN, Chief Augustine Ejike Metu, has called on regulatory agencies and stakeholders in the maritime sector to take a cue from the exemplary leadership style of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He made the statement during the roundtable conference organized by the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP.
Chief Metu, a seasoned professional with extensive experience across multiple sectors, delivered a compelling address on national development, trade facilitation, and governance. He commended the Customs Area Controller at the Seme Area Command, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, for his leadership in driving trade facilitation and boosting revenue generation.
According to Chief Metu, such purposeful leadership is essential for national progress and should be replicated across all government agencies.
Highlighting his concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit and adulterated goods in Nigerian markets, Chief Metu urged relevant regulatory bodies to intensify efforts to curb the importation and distribution of such harmful products.
He also charged journalists and media practitioners to remain vigilant and expose corruption and inefficiencies within the system, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
On international recognition, Chief Metu welcomed the election of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as the chairman of the World Customs Organization Council. He suggested that the CG’s tenure be extended to maintain continuity and consolidate the achievements already recorded.
Touching on recent policy decisions, he offered his perspective on the suspension of the use of customs code 846. Chief Metu advocated for a review of the suspension, suggesting that a reconsideration would support trade facilitation and ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
Throughout his presentation, Chief Metu reiterated his dedication to national development and urged Nigerians to remain resilient, embrace technology, and continue pushing for positive societal transformation. He encouraged citizens to stay focused on building a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
Chief Metu’s contributions at the forum reflected his reputation as an influential thought leader in the maritime sector. His strengths, insightful analysis, a passion for development, commitment to accountability, and pragmatic solutions, were on full display during the discussion.
He concluded by expressing his willingness to remain actively engaged with government agencies, industry professionals, and young stakeholders. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to promote revenue generation, uphold good governance, and ensure Nigeria’s continued advancement on the global stage.