Freight Forwarders Partner With SON Against Substandard Goods

Mr Osita Aboloma, 2nd right, Engr Bede Obayi, and other SON officials at a function

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has concluded arrangements to partner with SON to checkmate influx of substandard products in the country.

The association through its national president, Increase Uche, at a one-day national stakeholders’ sensitisation forum, for maritime Operation, themed Collaborations as tools for zero sub-standard imports” explained that combating the preponderance of substandard goods cannot be achieved without the partnership with all stakeholders.

Uche also emphasised the need to increase the level of collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other stakeholders aimed at stemming the influx of fake and substandard goods into the country.

He pointed out that cooperation must be established between SON and other government agencies, greater cooperation between the agency, freight forwarders and the importing public.

According to him, collaboration tools and cross functional integration have been some of the universal approaches in ensuring synergy among the parties involved in the global supply chain.

He said the fight to ensure the eradication of sub standards goods has led to the extension of collaboration between the SON both regionally and internationally in line with globalization.

He assured that NAGAFF has always thrown its weight in support of the activities of the SON through its public policy advocacy and information service.

‘‘We are also aware of the menace of smuggling activities predominately carried out through the border entry points which most times hampers the operation of the Agency.

It has always been our view that collaboration, partnership, cooperation and synergy amongst the relevant stakeholders must be sustained in achieving zero substandard imports and other trade malpractices in our Seaports, Airports, Land Borders and the overall Logistics Supply Chain.

Regrettably, the major constraint that hinders adequate check against this nefarious act in the entire system has been the lack of collaboration among critical stakeholders,’’ he said.

Uche added: ‘‘SON cannot work in isolation. Both those who are involved in document preparations and physical movement of imports into Nigeria must work in consonance with the Laws guiding the operation of SON in such a collective manner that ensure the elimination of all compromises from the opening of Form “m” to cargo delivery out of the ports.’’

He pointed out that collaborations would assist to identify and mitigate risk, help to quicken the process of accomplishing inherent task, lead to both timely and appropriate decisions and moral support, help in promoting inter agency cooperation and reduce overlap of agency function.