By Tunde Ojudun
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has inaugurated a Trade War Committee to confront entrenched corruption and inefficiencies at Nigeria’s ports, a move aimed at boosting transparency and strengthening the country’s global trade position.
The committee, made up of experts in trade, law, and technology, will provide credible field intelligence and evidence-based insights to guide policy reforms. It is expected to work closely with higher authorities to drive systemic change in port operations.
Objectives of the Committee include cracking down on corruption and regulatory excesses, streamlining cargo clearance and documentation processes, enhancing transparency and accountability in port operations, as well as supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
NAGAFF emphasized that cooperation from regulatory agencies and stakeholders will be critical to sanitizing the system and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s trade environment.
Addressing the maritime press on Friday, the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, noted that the committee will play an advisory role to the Federal Government.
He urged the government to investigate corruption allegations against port officials, implement regulatory reforms to improve efficiency, strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms, and invest in trade facilitation and logistics development.
With Nigeria’s ports often criticized for delays, high costs, and exploitative practices, the committee’s work could mark a turning point in efforts to modernize the sector and attract greater international investment.