… Appoints Him As Grand Patron
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), celebrated the immediate past Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’Council, Barrister Hassan Bello amidst pulp and pageantry for his immense contributions to the growth of the maritime sector while in service.
The events which was held on Monday at the Rock View hotel, Lagos attracts key freight forwarders, customs brokers, truck owners from seven different associations and other organisations who called on the federal government to consider as a matter of national interest the need to begin to reward those who performed excellently while serving the country in their various capacity.
NAGAFF who also honoured Hassan as the grand patron of the association also noted that though Bello has retired, he should be considered for higher appointment because of his performance.
In his opening remark, the founder of NAGAFF, Boniface Aniebonam explained that Bello was honoured not just because of his excellent performance but also humility.
Dr Aniebonam called on the federal government to appoint Hassan Bello as successor of Rotimi Ameachi as the Minister of transportation, describing him as a man who offered his best to ensure the development of the industry, adding that though he has retired, he was not tired.
In his welcome speech, the President of NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche, hinted that Bello is being celebrated after his 8 years service as Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers’ Council, for others in government service in the maritime industry to take a queue and offer their best.
Uche pointed out that the narrative in the shipping industry changed as far as arbitrary shipping charges by multinational service providers and terminal operators were concerned when Bello was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council.
Describing Bello as a detribalized Nigerian who was full of humility and courage to deliver while in service, Uche said that though Bello has now retired, he was not tired and should be considered for other bigger position to serve the country.
In his goodwill messages, the National President of Association of Nigeria Livense Customs Agents ( ANLCA), Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike slso added his voice that Bello was not tired and should be given top appointment.
Tony Iju who was represented by the vice president of ANLCA, Dr. Kayode Farinto Collins stated that Hassan should be appointed to head the Nigerian Transport Commission (NTC) once it is given an assent by the President
According to him, Bello while in service was able to swiftly respond to letters and started addressing issues referred to by consumers of shipping services.
On his part, the Registrar of Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Barr. Samuel Nwakohu said that Hassan Bello will continue to be remembered for his services to freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain in Nigeria.
He hinted that Hassan as Es of NSC continued to support the freight forwarding cause throughout his tenure to the extent that he was the rallying point of many freight forwarders.
The registrar who was represented by the Head, Education and Training, CRFFN, Barr. Alban Igwe, disclosed that Hassan Bello understood the critical role of freight forwarding to shippers and national economy and in particular the role of freight forwarding in improving the logistics performance index and ultimately, national competitiveness.
In his word“He is a good team player and maintained a very cordial relationship with CRFFN throughout his tenure. It is important to note that at the heat of the Covid-19 restrictions, Nigerian Shippers’ Council under his leadership provided the rallying ground for the Maritime Task Force which he voluntarily yielded the Chairmanship to my good self with the sole aim of providing maximum support to freight forwarders towards uninterrupted forwarding services”
Also, the Secretary General of the National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents (NCMDCA), Chief Festus Ukwu, said he was impressed by the role played by Bello during the Covid-19 lockdown to ensure that goods were cleared at the ports.
According to him, the former NSC CEO apart from providing buses also made sure that customs agents were safe while clearing their goods at the ports during the pandemic.
In his acceptance speech, Bello thanked all for the honour bestowed on him, he said that he has always believed that public office holders should keep an open door policy.
He added that he has always believed in stakeholders engagement which helps the industry.
He called on stakeholders to give the same level of support to the present Executive Secretary of the Council, Barr Emmanuel Jime to succeed.
He added that Jime is well equipped to deliver in his new position having worked in the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) which promotes export like the shipping sector.
