The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has condemned what it alleged as rising level of corruption at the nation’s seaports and borders. It announced the inauguration of a Trade War Committee to address the situation and push for accountability among government officials operating in the ports.
The association made the declaration during a press conference held at its headquarters on Friday, where it accused some key officers assigned to the ports of incompetence and failure to tackle corrupt practices.
Speaking during the press conference, National Publicity Secretary of NAGAFF, Clement Iwegbuna, said the level of corruption at Nigeria’s ports and borders has reached an alarming stage and is undermining the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Iwegbuna alleged that some heads of government agencies operating in the port sector have failed to address persistent complaints about corruption despite repeated calls by stakeholders.
According to him, many of the officials responsible for overseeing port operations remain in their offices in Abuja, issuing directives without engaging with stakeholders or assessing operational challenges at the ports and border stations.
“A leader must be responsive to the operating conditions of those in the field. Oversight and supervision require direct engagement with stakeholders and officers working at the operational level,” he said.
The NAGAFF spokesman further lamented that many leaders and members of freight forwarding associations are not familiar with the heads of government parastatals at the nation’s entry points, noting that most stakeholders only see such officials on national television making pronouncements.
He contrasted this with the efforts of President Tinubu, who has been travelling to other countries to attract investments into Nigeria, saying government officials should also demonstrate similar commitment by engaging industry players directly.
Iwegbuna also criticised what he described as a growing culture among some public officials seeking tenure extensions for personal interests while limiting opportunities for younger professionals in the sector.
The newly inaugurated Trade War Committee, he said, would monitor developments within the port system and push for reforms aimed at tackling corruption and improving accountability across agencies operating at Nigeria’s ports and borders.
