The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the presidency on the need to checkmate the influx of sub-standard and fake products into the Nigerian market.
The freight forwarding association attributed the influx of such items to government unstable policies and compromise on the part of officials of some government agencies at the ports in the country.
In a statement sent to Shipping Position Daily by Secretary General of NAGAFF; Mr. Arthur Igwillo and addressed to President Federal Republic of Nigeria; Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, the association stated that it is disheartening to observe that in spite of the existence of the regulatory agencies, like Customs ,Port Quarantine, SON and NAFDAC etc , fake adulterated and substandard products still flood the markets.
According to him, NAGAFF has observed that some of officials who are engaged to do the job are “round pegs in square holes”, urging the President to appoint technocrats in some of the agencies without CEO presently.
The association also urged the president to appoint individuals who are grounded in their field of endeavour, saying that avoidance to engage experts will further worsen the problem of substandard goods into the country.
It added that: “Another reason for the flooding of our markets with such goods is the unstable policies of Government which leaves the officials of the Agencies and trading public confused. ”
” It is on record that about two years ago most of the regulatory Agencies of the Government were asked to vacate the Ports and operate from outside”
” We regret to inform you that some of them were returned back to the ports unjustifiably.”
On the havoc of fake and substandard products, NAGAFF said: ” Mr. President, it is disheartening to hear reports of avoidable catastrophe befalling our people as a result of fake, adulterated, fake, or substandard products, either in terms of consumables or material and or structures.”
“We, however, wish to acknowledge the efforts of Government, in checking this trend through the setting up of regulatory agencies like NCS, NSC, CRC, NAFDAC, SON, Nigeria Quarantine Service etc, to safeguard the health and well-being of the people”, the association wrote.
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