The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving reforms in Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector, urging key stakeholders to adopt global standards for enhanced competitiveness. This is even as it raised over ₦100 million towards its ₦500 million permanent secretariat project.
Speaking during the association’s 25th-anniversary celebration and the launch of its ₦500 million permanent secretariat acquisition project in Lagos over the weekend, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, highlighted the association’s pivotal role in professionalizing freight forwarding practices since its inception in 1999.
Chief Ezisi emphasized that NAGAFF, as a public advocacy group, has ensured that all revenue due to the government through import duties and excise fees is duly and promptly paid by practitioners. He also added that the association have created over 50,000 jobs for young people thereby reducing the efforts of social vices that unemployment has caused.
Chief Ezisi paid tribute to the association’s founder, Dr. Aniebonam, for his vision and resilience in establishing NAGAFF during a challenging period. He added that the association has worked tirelessly with the Nigeria Customs Service to block revenue leakages and promote compliance with extant laws, significantly boosting the nation’s revenue generation.
The NAGAFF President further called on the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance their operational efficiency, address issues of arbitrary charges, and improve ease of doing business at the ports. He noted that these reforms are vital for sustaining economic growth and improving Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
“NAGAFF was born out of necessity and has grown to become a pillar of advocacy and development in the maritime sector. Despite the harsh economic realities, NAGAFF will continue to thrive, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to national development”, he assured.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, lauded NAGAFF’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency, and adherence to global best practices since its inception in 1999.
Dr Dantsoho who was represented by the NPA General Manager, Operations; Mr Charles Okaga, highlighted the association’s role as a key advocate for capacity building and policy reforms in the freight forwarding sector, which has strengthened the maritime industry and improved trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Drawing attention to the comparative trade volumes in neighboring countries, Dr. Dantsoho challenged stakeholders to address the disparity. “It is alarming that countries with a population of less than 15 million handle over 2 million metric tons of cargo annually, while Nigeria, with over 200 million people, struggles to match that figure,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA Managing Director urged maritime practitioners to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to position Nigeria as the leader in maritime trade across the continent.
Emphasizing the importance of effective port security, Dr. Dantsoho urged NAGAFF to leverage its influence to support the fight against unauthorized access and nefarious activities within port premises.
Speaking during his presentation the event, a former President of NAGAFF, Dr. Eugene Nweke emphasized the importance of aligning with global trends, leveraging technology, and fostering professionalism in the freight forwarding sector.
Dr. Nweke provided an in-depth analysis of the differences and intersections between freight forwarding and logistics, noting that while both belong to the same family, they have distinct specializations. He called for a reorientation within the industry, urging members to embrace their core roles and avoid diluting the profession’s essence.
The former NAGAFF President emphasized the need for Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector to adopt advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and drones. He noted that while the global freight forwarding industry has evolved to incorporate ninth- and tenth-party logistics providers, Nigeria is still grappling with third-party logistics.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ₦500 million secretariat acquisition project, during which dignitaries and stakeholders made generous donations with over ₦100 million raised to kickstart the ambitious project.
Speakers at the event praised the association’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam for his vision and leadership in establishing NAGAFF and championing the cause of freight forwarders. Dr. Aniebonam, who is also the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was celebrated as a trailblazer whose efforts have transformed the industry.
Attendees were treated to a presentation on the proposed secretariat, anniversary cake cutting, and captivating performances by entertainers.
