The Maritime Police Command and the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria, AREFFN, have agreed on closer collaboration aimed at strengthening port security, facilitating legitimate trade and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
This agreement was reached when the Acting President of AREFFN, Chief Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, led the association’s delegation on a maiden courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.
Chief Uchenna said the visit was to formally introduce the association’s new leadership, notify the Command of the recent leadership transition and deepen the existing relationship between both organisations.
He stressed AREFFN’s commitment to working closely with the Maritime Police Command to promote a secure and efficient port environment while protecting the legitimate interests of freight forwarders and ensuring the seamless clearance of consignments at the nation’s seaports.
Responding, AIG Okunade congratulated Uchenna on his appointment and assured the association of the Command’s commitment to maintaining a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She said the Maritime Police Command has prioritised improved service delivery in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noting that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting national interests through professionalism, fairness and integrity.
The AIG, however, explained that the Police would continue to investigate matters based on credible intelligence whenever public safety and national security require such action.
She urged members of AREFFN to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information and to refrain from shielding individuals involved in criminal activities within the maritime sector.
According to her, stronger collaboration between security agencies and industry stakeholders remains essential to creating a safe, secure and business-friendly maritime environment that supports national economic growth.
The Maritime Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and effective policing to enhance maritime safety, national security and trade facilitation.