Robust Stakeholder Engagement, Key to Policy Success — NAGAFF Chieftain
Robust Stakeholder Engagement, Key to Policy Success — NAGAFF Chieftain
Outgoing Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, Ozo Eze Uchendu, has emphasized that no government policy can succeed without the active involvement of stakeholders.
Speaking before handing over to an interim administration that will oversee the chapter’s affairs until a new executive is sworn in September, Uchendu linked the failure of several government policies to the neglect of stakeholders during the formulation stage.
He cited cargo clearing policies such as ASYCUDA++, NICIS I, NICIS II, and B’Odogwu, noting that they could have achieved greater success if stakeholders had been consulted earlier. He urged the government and the Nigeria Customs Service to always carry stakeholders along to ensure workable and effective policies.
Highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement, Uchendu praised the administration of former Apapa Customs Area Controller, ACG Babatunde Olomu, for operating smoothly due to robust collaboration with industry players. He called on the current Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to emulate his predecessor in promoting inclusiveness.
The outgoing chairman also commended deputy comptrollers manning various units of Apapa Customs Command for their proactive engagement with stakeholders. He singled out DC Femi Kukoyi, the Officer-in-Charge of the Gate, describing him as a “reformer and transformer.” According to Uchendu, Kukoyi’s leadership eliminated bottlenecks and delays at the port gate, a feat he said deserved applause.
Reflecting on the future of NAGAFF, Uchendu described the association as “a moving train and a mighty ocean swimming with the tide to greatness.” He expressed optimism that, given the calibre of its members, NAGAFF would become the pillar of Nigeria’s maritime industry within the next decade.
