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Imagine spending countless hours at your workplace, navigating complex procedures, yet lacking basic amenities and working in conditions that are, frankly, degrading. This is the grim reality facing many freight agents at Nigeria’s seaports, a situation the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone, is vehemently calling out.
Under the strong leadership of its Western Zone Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, ANLCA has publicly lambasted shipping companies and terminal operators for their glaring lack of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The core of their complaint? The ‘degrading working conditions’ endured by customs agents across the nation’s seaports, particularly in areas like Apapa.
ANLCA’s accusation highlights a severe absence of basic amenities and efficient operational environments. While the original report hints at specifics, the overarching sentiment points to inadequate waiting areas, poor sanitation facilities, and inefficient processes that lead to unnecessary delays and hardship. Freight agents, who are crucial facilitators of trade, are often left to contend with environments that are far from conducive to productive work, impacting not just their well-being but also the overall efficiency of port operations.
Alhaji Anifowose emphasized that shipping companies operating in Apapa, despite their significant presence and profitability, have failed in their fundamental duty to create humane and respectable working conditions for all stakeholders. ANLCA argues that CSR extends beyond mere donations; it’s about treating your partners and the environment you operate in with respect and dignity, ensuring the welfare of those who are integral to your business.
This strong stance by ANLCA serves as a crucial wake-up call for these powerful entities. It’s a demand for accountability and a plea for a more considerate approach to doing business, one that prioritizes the welfare of those who keep the wheels of trade turning. It’s high time for shipping agencies and terminal operators to step up and fulfill their social responsibilities, transforming the working environment at our seaports into one that reflects efficiency, respect, and dignity for all.
Source: Original Article
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