The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced the creation of a Technical Support Group for Cargo Logistics and Customs Facilitation.
According to the association, the group was created to enhance multimodal transport systems and customs processes, specifically in the northern regions of Nigeria.
According to a press statement signed by the founder of the association, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the establishment of this group comes in response to numerous complaints from NAGAFF members and shippers in Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja about the challenges of transporting cargo from southern ports to northern areas. These issues include insecurity, poor road conditions, and high business costs.
Aniebonam stated that NAGAFF’s new unit will work closely with government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), to streamline cargo movement from southern ports to inland container terminals.
He also said the group will collaborate with trade bodies involved in import and export activities in the north to maximize the benefits of inland terminal operations.
One of the key developments highlighted is the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano State, which aims to become a central hub for importers and exporters in the northwest, northeast, and north-central regions. Aniebonam said the facility promises to reduce costs, enhance cargo safety, and improve business efficiency, negating the need for northern businesses to travel to southern ports.
The members of the Technical Group are: Chief Patrick Ogbo – Chairman, Mr. Francis Omoshoto – Secretary, Dr. Arthur Igwilo – Technical Head, Dr. Clement Iwegbuna, Alhaji Muftau – Northern Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Bello Magaji – Northern Zonal Secretary and Ruth Sunday – Logistics
Dr. Aniebonam expressed gratitude to the Managing Directors of the Nigeria Railway, Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support in enabling the first batch of containers to arrive at the Dala Inland Dry Port by rail.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a greater Nigeria. We invite all stakeholders to join hands in realizing this dream and enhancing the country’s logistics and trade infrastructure” Dr Aniebonam stated.
