In a move to enhance port security, the Maritime Police Command and freight forwarders have reaffirmed their collaboration to ensure the seamless clearance of consignments and facilitate legitimate trade at the nation’s seaports.
The collaboration was renewed when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, received the Acting President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria (AREFFN), Chief (Fwdr) Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, and his delegation on a maiden courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters, Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, Chief (Fwdr) Uchenna expressed appreciation to the AIG Maritime for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to his delegation.
He stated that the maiden courtesy visit was to acquaint the new leadership of the Association with the AIG Maritime, notify the Command of the recent change in the Association’s leadership, and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between both organisations.
Chief Uchenna emphasised the Association’s commitment to working closely with the Maritime Police Command in promoting a secure and efficient port environment.
He reiterated AREFFN’s commitment to protecting the legitimate interests of its members, particularly by ensuring the seamless clearance of consignments at the nation’s seaports, while pledging the Association’s support for initiatives that enhance maritime security and facilitate lawful trade.
In her remarks, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat welcomed the Acting President and members of his delegation and congratulated Chief Uchenna on his appointment.
AIG Nurat assured the delegation of the Maritime Police Command’s commitment to maintaining a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and continuous engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
She disclosed that since assuming office, deliberate efforts have been made to improve the quality of service delivery across the Maritime Police Command in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The AIG Maritime stressed that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the public and safeguard national interests with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.
She also explained that there are occasions when the police are duty-bound to investigate matters based on credible intelligence in the interest of public safety and national security.
The AIG urged members of the Association to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information whenever necessary. She equally admonished them not to harbour or shield individuals involved in criminal activities within the maritime sector but to expose such elements and their activities to security agencies.
She further stated that the collective efforts of all stakeholders remain indispensable in ensuring a safe, secure and business-friendly maritime environment.
The Maritime Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the maritime industry through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing, and effective policing in support of maritime safety, national security, and economic prosperity.
