The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with freight forwarders and other maritime stakeholders to enhance security, improve service delivery and promote lawful trade across Nigeria’s seaports.
The assurance was given when the Acting President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria (AREFFN), Chief Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, led members of the Association on a maiden courtesy visit to the Maritime Police Command Headquarters at the Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Uchenna said the delegation came to formally introduce the Association’s new leadership to the Maritime Police Command, notify the Command of the recent leadership transition within AREFFN and reinforce the existing relationship between both organisations.
He commended the AIG for the warm reception accorded the delegation and reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to work closely with the Maritime Police Command in fostering a secure and efficient port environment.
According to him, AREFFN remains committed to protecting the legitimate interests of its members by supporting the seamless clearance of consignments at the nation’s seaports while backing initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security and facilitating legitimate trade.
Responding, AIG Okunade congratulated Chief Uchenna on his appointment and assured the Association of the Command’s commitment to sustaining a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation and regular stakeholder engagement.
She stated that the Maritime Police Command has continued to improve service delivery in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to serving the public with professionalism, fairness and integrity while safeguarding national interests.
The AIG also explained that the Police have a statutory responsibility to investigate cases based on credible intelligence whenever public safety and national security are at stake.
She therefore urged members of AREFFN to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence and to refrain from shielding criminal elements operating within the maritime sector.
According to her, exposing illegal activities and cooperating with security agencies are essential to maintaining a safe, secure and business-friendly port environment.
She added that sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and collective efforts among stakeholders remain critical to strengthening maritime security, protecting legitimate businesses and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through safer and more efficient ports.
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