The National Coordinator of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, has refuted claims that the team has become ineffective, asserting that it remained committed to its mission, despite challenges.
This comes after an online publication criticized NAGAFF for allegedly diminishing the relevance of the 100% Compliance Team, warning that any attempt to disband the team would harm the organization’s credibility and integrity. The publication called for the resuscitation of the compliance team to bridge the leadership gap and maintain effective oversight.
Alhaji Tanko in an official press release made available to our correspondent, emphasized that the compliance team continues to function effectively and remains steadfast in the mission to enforce trade regulations.
Tanko clarified that the reconstitution of the Trade Facilitation Committee did not diminish the compliance team’s operations. He also mentioned that the team had momentarily laid low to explore alternative solutions to industry challenges but found no viable actions, leading to questions about the team’s status.
Tanko revealed that the compliance team is preparing to take legal action against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for not returning samples after testing them. Additionally, the team is addressing issues with APM Terminals management regarding their security personnel’s practices of seizing samples and failing to return containers or hand over perpetrators to the police.
Expressing his concerns over the deliberate obstruction of trade facilitation, Tanko pointed out several unresolved issues, such as the non-use of the examination platform erected for scanning operations. He accused APMT of financially benefiting by forcing agents to use their trucks for delivery instead of the agents’ own trucks.
“We had to lie low to see if the challenges confronting us in the industry could be challenged, and tackled any other way. But alas, no action and everyone is now asking, what became of the Compliance Team? The team is intact and about to stage a big comeback. Right now, we are preparing grounds for a suit against NAFDAC for collecting samples and never returning them to the owners, after ostensibly carrying out tests on the items.
“The trade facilitation committee existed before the compliance team. It was merely reconstituted following the abysmal failure of the previous one. Our duties and functions were clearly spelt out by the NAGAFF high command.
“Despite misgivings and calls for disbandment, the compliance team remains resolute. Their mandate, clearly outlined by NAGAFF’s high command, drives their actions. By next week, the full complement of the compliance team will meet to reaffirm their dedication to sustainable freight forwarding. We are not in competition with anyone else, but resolute in fighting off impediments to sustainable freight forwarding.” Tanko stated
