In a recent exclusive interview with The Prestige Blended Magazine, the Director General of the Sea Empowerment & Research Center (SEREC), Francis Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu, shared his expert insights on port modernization, digital transformation in trade facilitation, and challenges facing Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry.
Aniezechukwu, who is also a clergy, author, social activist, and customs broker, emphasized that while technological advancement is critical to modern trade operations, sustainable progress requires stronger coordination, accountability, and stakeholder capacity building across agencies.
Freight Forwarding Challenges in Nigeria
According to Aniezechukwu, freight forwarders in Nigeria are currently contending with structural and operational challenges that limit efficiency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.
He identified key issues such as:
- Absence of a central regulatory authority to standardize freight forwarding practices.
- Lack of uniform professional standards and training frameworks, leading to inconsistencies and unqualified operators in the field.
- Regulatory overlaps and compliance burdens due to multiple agencies operating in silos.
- Unregulated competition that compromises service quality and professional ethics.
- Weak dispute resolution mechanisms, forcing operators to rely on lengthy informal processes.
He stressed that establishing a dedicated national regulatory agency for freight forwarders would enhance professionalism, promote ethical conduct, harmonize operations, and strengthen their role as key partners in trade facilitation and national revenue generation.
On the Performance of PTML Command Leadership
Commenting on the performance of the immediate past Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command, Dr. Aniezechukwu rated it as “above average,” noting that his tenure laid a strong foundation through the B. Odogwu Modernization Project.
He added that while improvements are ongoing, the progress achieved so far provides a framework for continuity and future enhancement of efficiency and infrastructure at the port.
Expectations from the Current PTML CAC
While acknowledging that Customs Area Controllers are primarily accountable to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Ministry of Finance, Aniezechukwu emphasized that their duties are also guided by international frameworks such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC).
He noted that current leadership at PTML, under Comptroller Joe Anani, is expected to uphold principles of transparency, efficiency, and collaboration with stakeholders in line with:
- Section 223(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 — which mandates the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures; and
- The WTO TFA, which promotes digital efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
Aniezechukwu expressed confidence that Comptroller Anani’s experience will further strengthen trade facilitation, transparency, and automation within port operations.
On Grimaldi Shipping’s Operations
Aniezechukwu commended Grimaldi Shipping for its operational advancements, including the launch of the direct China–Nigeria shipping service and its efforts toward environmental compliance.
However, he also highlighted areas needing review — such as restricted access cards and demurrage charges during system downtimes. He praised ongoing dialogue between freight forwarder associations and Grimaldi management for achieving progress in these areas, emphasizing that continuous stakeholder engagement is key to ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient port operations.
Revitalizing Nigeria’s Port Industry
On broader reform measures, Aniezechukwu commended the Federal Government’s ongoing modernization initiatives — including new scanning equipment, the Blue Economy Initiative, and the National Single Window Project.
He noted that while infrastructure and digital tools are being deployed, the critical next step is capacity building across all levels:
“Technology has been provided; what remains is human capacity, inter-agency synergy, and accountability,” he stated.
He recommended:
- Regular training and digital literacy programs for customs officers, terminal operators, and freight forwarders.
- Improved inter-agency coordination and accountability benchmarks to prevent overlapping mandates.
- Private sector participation in technological upgrades.
- Strong feedback mechanisms from port users to ensure modernization efforts translate into faster clearance times, reduced costs, and a truly competitive maritime industry.
Conclusion
Francis Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu reaffirmed that the success of Nigeria’s port modernization depends not just on technology, but on institutional cooperation, accountability, and stakeholder empowerment.
Through continued research, policy advocacy, and private sector collaboration, SEREC remains committed to promoting a sustainable, efficient, and globally compliant maritime transport system — in line with its mission:
“Pursuing Marine Transport Development via Empowerment.”