NAGAFF Unveils ‘Trade War Committee’ to Combat Port Exploitation and Reform Nigeria’s Maritime Trade System
The Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has formally inaugurated a new strategic body, the NAGAFF Trade War Committee, aimed at confronting growing trade malpractices, regulatory excesses, and operational bottlenecks within Nigeria’s port system.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Lagos, where the association described the move as a decisive intervention to protect the cargo documentation and clearance value chain across Nigerian ports.
According to the founder, the committee was established in response to persistent complaints from traders, importers, and freight forwarding practitioners who face exploitation and inefficiencies in the port environment.
“The purpose of inviting you here today is to formally unveil the establishment and inauguration of a very strategic committee aimed at confronting the escalating trade malpractices perpetrated by some government agencies and other critical stakeholders,” he stated.
The newly constituted NAGAFF Trade War Committee will be domiciled in the Office of the Founder of the association and will function as a strategic advocacy and monitoring platform within the maritime sector.
Its responsibilities include:
* Strategic trade advocacy
* Operational monitoring within the port environment
* Policy intelligence gathering
* Institutional engagement with regulatory authorities
The committee is expected to address systemic inefficiencies and exploitative practices affecting port users and logistics operators across Nigeria’s international trade ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders have long complained about delays, excessive charges, and regulatory overlaps within Nigerian ports, issues that many believe undermine the country’s trade competitiveness.
The association also expressed concern that the current level of exploitation within the port environment contradicts the reform ambitions of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to NAGAFF, allegations of corruption, regulatory capture, and weak institutional accountability among some officials within the maritime and port administration ecosystem are slowing progress toward meaningful reforms.
The Trade War Committee is therefore expected to act as an independent oversight and advisory body, working with higher authorities to provide credible field intelligence and evidence-based reports on activities within Nigerian ports.
NAGAFF explained that the initiative would help ensure that the Presidency receives accurate operational insights supported by verifiable documentation, which could guide policy reforms, regulatory restructuring, and strategic appointments in the maritime sector.
The newly inaugurated committee comprises industry professionals, legal experts, and policy advisers. Members include:
Dr. Increase Uche — Chairman
Chief Patrick Ogbo — Research & Trade Intelligence
Dr. Arthur Igwilo — Secretary
Dr. Fred Adjuzié — Operations & Strategic Coordination
Dr. Clement Iwegbuna — Media & Public Communication
Dr. Segun Musa — Special Duties
Ikechukwu Iwebguna — Information Technology
Kelvin Mbachu — Information Technology
Miss Hilda Ometere — Special Duties
Barr. Brian Onyiuike — Legal Affairs
Barr. Peter Ofikwu — Legal Affairs
Barr. Ola Rotimi — Legal Affairs
Barr. Lawrence Ezeudu — Legal Affairs
Barr. Okwudili Alagbu — Legal Affairs
Prof. Iyiola Oni — Consulting & Strategic Advisory
Mr. Kingsley Anaroke — Media Consulting
NAGAFF urged regulatory agencies, government authorities, and stakeholders across the maritime sector to cooperate with the committee as it begins its work.
The association emphasized that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to sanitize Nigeria’s port system, protect genuine traders, and strengthen the country’s position in global trade.
“Together, we must work towards protecting the interests of legitimate traders and ensuring a transparent, efficient maritime trade system that contributes meaningfully to the national economy,” the founder concluded.
The launch of the Trade War Committee signals a new phase of advocacy and oversight from the freight forwarding community as Nigeria continues efforts to reform its maritime and port governance structure.
0 Comments