In response to the recent allegations made by Alhaji Tanko’s 100% Compliance Team, the National Cordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) Chief Osita Patrick Chukwu has strongly criticized the petition filed by Tanko to the National Security Adviser (NSA), labeling it as misleading and baseless.
Chief Chukwu said this in a press briefing in Apapa, he emphasized that Tanko, a customs agent and freight forwarder, failed to understand the established protocols in place for managing government affairs, especially in the maritime sector. He accused Tanko of breaching protocol and undermining the efforts of the Nigerian maritime sector’s leadership.
“This petition to the NSA is not just a breach of protocol; it’s an abuse and neglect of the systems we have put in place,” Chief Chukwu stated. “It gives a false impression to the world that there are problems in our port corridor, which is simply not true.”
Chief Chukwu further accused Tanko of attempting to discredit the work of the Comptroller General of Customs, the Customs Area Controllers, and other senior Officers in the western zone.
He urged the NSA to disregard Tanko’s petition, labeling it as diversionary and harmful to the progress made in the maritime sector.
“This is not the first time Tanko has made such baseless claims. He has a history of doing this, and we have warned him multiple times,” Chief Chukwu added.
“If someone seeks equity, they must come with clean hands. Tanko’s actions are far from that.”
Chief Chukwu also questioned the legitimacy of the 100% Compliance Team, stating that such a team cannot exist outside the framework of an officially recognized association or government directive.
“100% compliance can only work within NAGAFF, not in the broader maritime corridor. Who set up this team, and under what authority?” Chief Chukwu questioned. “This so-called compliance team is illegal and appears to be a tool for exploitation rather than genuine oversight.”
He concluded by urging stakeholders to focus on collaborative efforts to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports in the West African sub-region, rather than being distracted by unfounded allegations.
“The goal should be to build our ports to be friendly, effective, and competitive, not to destroy the efforts of those working hard to achieve this,” Chief Chukwu said.
The maritime community and the general public are encouraged to disregard the claims made by Tanko’s 100% Compliance Team and continue supporting the legitimate efforts to enhance Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The National Cordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC)
