The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised the alarm over what it described as worsening and unmitigated corruption across Nigeria’s customs ports and border stations, warning that the situation is making the nation’s gateways uncompetitive and undermining the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. C. C. Iwegbuna, NAGAFF drew the attention of the leadership of government agencies operating at approved entry points to what it called “avoidable corruption circumstances” within the port system.
The association urged the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force–Marine Command, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen their supervisory roles to stem the tide.
According to NAGAFF, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on the rule of law and hard work, but these principles are being eroded at the ports by practices that discourage productivity and industrial harmony.
“There is an urgent need for the leadership of the various agencies assigned to Nigeria’s entry ports to act decisively in order to stem the high level of corruption at the Customs ports and border stations,” the association stated.
NAGAFF warned that the current environment is forcing Nigeria-bound cargo to neighbouring countries, thereby encouraging smuggling and worsening the security risks associated with porous borders.
The group also faulted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for what it described as docility in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, particularly in checkmating the non-availability of empty containers for export, unapproved charges by shipping companies, and excessive debits by terminal operators.
“It is worrisome that the export capability of our nation is being undermined due to lack of empty containers, making Nigeria lose substantial revenue in foreign exchange,” the statement said.
NAGAFF noted that corruption and operational inefficiencies are among the remote causes making Nigerian ports non-productive and uncompetitive, contrary to the objectives of port concession, which was meant to improve efficiency and global competitiveness.
“It is on record that the essence of port concession is to make Nigeria ports competitive, but the contrary is the case. With these circumstances, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President will be like building a castle on shifting sand,” the association added.
The freight forwarders’ body said it remains ready to support government efforts to ensure adherence to the rule of law in line with constitutional provisions, which it described as a roadmap for building a peaceful and progressive society.
NAGAFF further warned that it may be compelled to make strategic recommendations to President Tinubu on officials it believes lack the capacity to drive the administration’s intentions at the ports and borders.
“What is certain is that freight forwarding practitioners in the Customs ports and borders are tired of giving bribes to government agencies if we must contribute meaningfully to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the association declared.
It also criticised a system where government agencies act as judges in matters concerning their own operations, describing such practice as a breach of natural justice.
While expressing concern over the present challenges, NAGAFF said stakeholders are watching with interest what the National Single Window model, scheduled for rollout on March 27, 2026, will bring to trade facilitation and transparency at Nigeria’s ports.
