By Sandra Chukwunyere
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The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has inaugurated a Trade War Committee aimed at tackling deep-seated corruption, delays, and operational inefficiencies at Nigeria’s seaports in order to reduce the cost of doing business and improve trade facilitation.
The initiative is designed to promote transparency, improve cargo clearance processes, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade by addressing the systemic challenges that continue to drive up port charges and logistics costs.
The newly formed committee comprises experts in trade, law, and technology. Its mandate includes gathering credible field intelligence and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide policy reforms in the maritime sector. The committee is also expected to collaborate with relevant authorities to drive meaningful changes in port operations.
Among its key objectives are addressing corruption and excessive regulatory practices, simplifying cargo clearance and documentation procedures, enhancing accountability in port activities, and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
NAGAFF stressed that meaningful reform will require strong cooperation from regulatory agencies and key stakeholders across the maritime industry to restore confidence in Nigeria’s trade environment.
Speaking to maritime journalists on Friday in Lagos, the founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, explained that the committee will function primarily in an advisory capacity to the Federal Government.
Aniebonam called on authorities to thoroughly investigate corruption allegations involving port officials, implement regulatory reforms to enhance efficiency, strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms, and invest in trade facilitation and logistics infrastructure.
Despite Nigeria’s strategic importance in regional and international trade, its ports have long been plagued by cargo delays, high transaction costs, and allegations of sharp practices.
Stakeholders believe that the establishment of the committee could help address these longstanding challenges, improve operational efficiency, and reposition the nation’s ports as more competitive gateways for global commerce.
Newly Inaugurated Members
1. Dr. Increase Uche — Chairman
2. Chief Patrick Ogbo — Research & Trade Intelligence
3. Dr. Arthur Igwilo — Secretary
4. Dr. Fred Ajuzie — Operations & Strategic Coordinator
5. Dr. Clement Iwegbuna — Media & Public Communications
6. Dr. Segun Musa — Special Duties
7. Ikechukwu Iwegbuna — Information Technology
8. Kelvin Mbachu — Information Technology
9. Miss Hilda Ometere — Special Duties
10. Barr. Brain Onyiuke — Legal Affairs
11. Barr. Peter Ofikwu — Legal Affairs
12. Barr. Ola Rotimi — Legal Affairs
13. Barr. Lawrence Ezeudu — Legal Affairs
14. Barr. Okwudili Alagbu — Legal Affairs
15. Prof. Iyiola Oni — Legal Affairs
16. Mr. Kingsley Anaroke — Media Consulting
