FAVFFN Re-Established To Tackle Rising Corruption In Nigeria’s Freight , Logistics Sector

FAVFFN Re-Established To Tackle Rising Corruption In Nigeria’s Freight , Logistics Sector
……systemic failure fueling cargo diversion – FAVFFN

L-R Engr.Festus Ukwu,a member of the Anti- Corruption Vanguard,(M) Chairman of the FAVFFN,Dr Increase Uche,and Chief Patrick Ogbo member FAVFFN,at the press conference today at NAGAFF Headquarters,Apapa,Lagos

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Freight Anti-Corruption Vanguards of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (FAVFFN) has formally announced the reinstatement of its national operational structure, signaling a renewed drive to confront the deep-rooted corruption affecting Nigeria’s international trade, customs processes, and logistics supply chain.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the National Chairman of FAVFFN, Dr. Increase O. Uche, said the reactivation of the anti-corruption vanguard became necessary due to the alarming rise in extortion, trade malpractices, and systemic abuse of authority by government officials across Nigeria’s ports.

Dr Clement Iwegbuna aka Omenma,member of FAVFFN,moderator of the event

“The hydra-headed challenges within our cargo-clearance value chain have become too pervasive to ignore,” Uche stated. “This initiative is dedicated to restoring integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in freight-forwarding operations nationwide.”

Backed by ICPC, Renewed Hope Agenda ,Uche noted that the renewed mandate is strengthened by a recent one-day training and sensitization workshop conducted in Lagos in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Lagos State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner and his team led the session, reaffirming the importance of government–industry collaboration in combating corruption.

A cross section of journalists, FAVFFN leaders , and other participants at the news conference today at NAGAFF Headquarters Apapa Lagos

He added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes anti-corruption reforms and efficient port operations as catalysts for national economic growth.

FAVFFN expressed concern over the continued deterioration of Nigeria’s ports despite the presence of Anti-Corruption Units (ACTU) across relevant agencies.
The Chairman recalled the earlier successes recorded between 2005 and 2009, saying deterioration of port management has now reached worrying levels.

He noted that corruption persists among several key actors, including:
Shipping companies and terminal operators
Customs and other government agencies
Importers and exporters
Manufacturers benefiting from questionable waivers
Informal transporters and ancillary port users — including POS operators who have become “willing facilitators” of illicit payments

FAVFFN officials in a group photograph: L-R Dr Clement Iwegbuna aka Omenma, Chairman FAVFFN,Dr Increase Uche and Chief Patrick Ogbo

Uche criticized the failure of the 2006 port concession reforms, saying their intended goals of transparency, competitiveness, and cost-efficiency remain unrealized, resulting in massive cargo diversion to neighbouring countries.
Core Objectives of the Re-Launched Vanguard

FAVFFN outlined five major focus areas aimed at combating corruption at the source:
Ethical Compliance: promoting strict adherence to anti-corruption standards and global best practices.

Strategic Partnerships: deepening collaboration with ICPC and other oversight bodies.
Public Sensitization: advancing industry-wide education through workshops and advocacy programs.
Confidential Reporting Framework: establishing safe channels for reporting unethical activities.
Policy Reform Advocacy: pushing for simplified procedures that reduce bureaucracy and curb corruption.
Uche emphasized that freight forwarders will be empowered as “Integrity Champions” trained to recognize, resist, and report corruption without fear of intimidation.

In what he described as one of FAVFFN’s central mandates, Uche announced that the group will begin a systematic examination of infractions across the freight chain—from pre-import documentation, including Form M, to the last-mile delivery of cargo.
He added that the Vanguards will also commence the profiling of corrupt government officials operating at Nigeria’s ports to support broader institutional reforms.

FAVFFN urged all port-related agencies—especially the Nigeria Customs Service, the lead agency for trade facilitation and revenue generation—to cooperate fully with its renewed anti-corruption drive.
“The success of this national assignment depends on collective commitment,” Uche said. “Our aim is to rebuild a freight and logistics system where fairness, professionalism, and ethical excellence are non-negotiable.”

The re-establishment of FAVFFN marks what stakeholders describe as a significant step toward cleaning up Nigeria’s port environment. The organization says it will intensify enlightenment programs for young freight forwarders across associations to curb emerging trends of corruption.

Uche concluded by reaffirming FAVFFN’s commitment to safeguarding government revenue, reducing trade bottlenecks, and promoting a logistics sector that supports Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.