The Matron of the women’s wing of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Princess Chi Ezeh, has expressed strong condemnation over a viral video circulating on social media that shows a female Customs officer, Assistant Comptroller Isa A.M., being publicly humiliated by freight agents.
The incident, which took place recently at the Car Park ‘C’ of Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tin Can Island Port, involved freight agents and shippers ridiculing the Customs officer. The video has garnered widespread attention, sparking concerns about the treatment of government officials by port stakeholders.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Princess Chi, who also serves as the Managing Director of Muna Sylver Nigeria Limited, expressed her disappointment in the actions of the agents involved. She criticized them for not pursuing their grievances through the appropriate channels, calling the public shaming both unprofessional and counterproductive.
As a freight forwarder and member of the Governing Board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Princess Chi described AC Isa as a diligent and upright officer who has faced backlash simply for upholding due process and enforcing accurate duty assessments. “I find this situation very appalling. Actions like this should, in the future, carry the weight of litigation,” she stated. “This is a Customs officer performing her duty with integrity, yet she is being targeted and victimized for it.”
Princess Chi further urged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Customs leadership under Comptroller Dera Nnadi, to ensure that Assistant Comptroller Isa is shielded from further harm or victimization as a result of this incident.
Additionally, Princess Chi, who also holds the title of NAGAFF Vice President for the Seaports in the Western Zone, emphasized the need for freight forwarders to follow established procedures for lodging complaints rather than resorting to attacks on Customs officials. “No Customs or government officer should be subjected to such ridicule,” she remarked, calling on her colleagues in the freight forwarding community to exhibit professionalism and respect.
Speaking as a woman, she conveyed her empathy for AC Isa and encouraged her to view this unfortunate experience as a motivator for resilience and continued diligence in her career.
