By Tunde Ojudun
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has issued a stern warning to freight forwarders and their principals, stressing that false declarations of imports and exports under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 are illegal and punishable by law.
Dr. Increase Uche, Chairman of NAGAFF’s Trade War Committee, announced that offenders risk seizure of goods, prosecution, and jail terms. He emphasized that widespread non-disclosure of items entering and leaving Nigeria poses a serious security threat and undermines government revenue.
NAGAFF condemned bribery and extortion at ports, insisting that President Bola Tinubu has not authorized government agents to exploit business operators. The association vowed to collaborate with the EFCC, NPF, NCS, and ICPC to combat corruption and protect Nigeria’s economic gateways.
“No one is above the law – both government agents and the public must comply,” Dr. Uche declared.
The association also criticized the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) for failing to uphold professional standards, despite legislative backing. NAGAFF pledged to lead reforms, urging members to “braise up” and make sacrifices for Nigeria’s future.
The association noted that grace period has been granted before the rollout of the single window application, giving practitioners time to adjust to compliance requirements. NAGAFF warned that corruption in goods declaration must stop immediately if the country is to realize the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a symbolic move, NAGAFF likened its anti-corruption drive to a “trade war,” echoing global examples of strong institutional reforms.