NAGAFF Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Raises ₦100 Million For Permanent Secretariat

NAGAFF Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Raises ₦100 Million For Permanent Secretariat

Founder, NAGAFF,Dr Boniface Okechukw Aniebonam

By Frank Odinukaeze

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 25th anniversary and launched a ₦500 million fundraising campaign for its permanent secretariat. The event, held in Lagos, saw the association raise over ₦100 million towards this ambitious project.

National president, NAGAFF,High Chief Tochhukwu Ezisi 

In his welcome address, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, the National President of NAGAFF, reflected on the association’s journey since its inception on November 30, 1999. He expressed gratitude to Dr. B.O. Aniebonam, the visionary founder of NAGAFF, for his resilience and dedication in establishing the association during challenging times. Ezisi highlighted that NAGAFF has grown from its turbulent infancy to become a pillar of professionalism in the freight forwarding industry.

Chief Ezisi emphasized that NAGAFF has played a crucial role in revolutionizing the freight forwarding sector by emancipating practitioners from oppressive practices and promoting genuine and honest declarations. This shift has significantly increased revenue generation for the Nigeria Customs Service.

As a public advocacy group, NAGAFF has ensured that all revenue due to the government through import duties and excise fees is promptly paid. The association has collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service to block revenue leakages and promote compliance with the revised Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) of 2023. These efforts have contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s GDP and facilitated international trade.

Dr Charles Okaga, General Manager Operations,NPA,who represented the Managing Director, Nigerian Potts Authority,Dr Abubakar Dantsoho,at NAGAFF Silver Jubilee celebration,last week in Lagos

NAGAFF’s commitment to job creation was also highlighted, with over 50,000 young people gaining employment through the association’s initiatives. This has helped reduce social vices associated with unemployment and provided a platform for young people to add value to their lives and families.

Chief Ezisi reiterated NAGAFF’s dedication to human capital development and continuous engagement with stakeholders in the logistics supply chain. The association has been instrumental in public enlightenment campaigns, advocating for honest and genuine declarations to reduce the need for enforcement and lower government costs.

The formation of the Customs Consultative Forum (CCF) and the establishment of a Compliance Team at NAGAFF’s headquarters were also announced. These initiatives aim to promote compliance and address infractions in declarations, ensuring a seamless clearing system at the ports.
The NAGAFF President, paid glowing tribute to the association’s founder, Dr. Aniebonam, for his vision and resilience in establishing NAGAFF during a challenging period.
“During this teething years he faced all manner of persecutions & threats to his life but he stood his ground. His offence was that he insisted on honest declarations, which negates the spirit of those who were benefitting from the corrupt system then” Chief Ezisi said.
He added that the association has worked tirelessly with the Nigeria Customs Service to block revenue leakages and promote compliance with extant laws, significantly boosting the nation’s revenue generation.
The NAGAFF President further called on the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance their operational efficiency, address issues of arbitrary charges, and improve ease of doing business at the ports. He noted that these reforms are vital for sustaining economic growth and improving Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.

Chief Ezisi argued that, “NAGAFF was born out of necessity and has grown to become a pillar of advocacy and development in the maritime sector.Despite the harsh economic realities, NAGAFF will continue to thrive, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to national development”.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who was ably represented by General Manager Operations,Mr.Charles Okaga,praised NAGAFF’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency, and adherence to global best practices since its inception in 1999.
Dr Dantsoho , articulated the association’s role as a key advocate for capacity building and policy reforms in the freight forwarding sector, which has strengthened the maritime industry and improved trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Dr Dantsoho expressed concern over the huge disparity in trade volimes with neighbouring countries ,and challenged stakeholders to address the disadvantage.
He said ,“It is alarming that countries with a population of less than 15 million handle over 2 million metric tons of cargo annually, while Nigeria, with over 200 million people, struggles to match that figure”.

The NPA Managing Director urged maritime practitioners to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to position Nigeria as the leader in maritime trade across the continent.
He emphasized the importance of effective port security, and therefore urged NAGAFF to leverage its influence to support the fight against unauthorized access and nefarious activities within port premises.
Delivering the Anniversary lecture , former President of NAGAFF, Dr. Eugene Nweke emphasized the importance of aligning with global trends, leveraging technology, and fostering professionalism in the freight forwarding sector.
Dr. Nweke gave an in-depth and an informed analysis of the differences and intersections between freight forwarding and logistics.He noted that while both belong to the same family, they have distinct specializations. He called for a reorientation within the industry, urging members to embrace their core roles and avoid diluting the profession’s essence.
The former NAGAFF President emphasized the need for Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector to adopt advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and drones. He noted that while the global freight forwarding industry has evolved to incorporate ninth- and tenth-party logistics providers, Nigeria is still grappling with third-party logistics.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the ₦500 million secretariat acquisition project. Dignitaries and stakeholders present ,made generous donations with over ₦100 million raised to kick- off the ambitious project.
Various speakers at the event eulogised the NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukw Aniebonam, for his vision and leadership in establishing NAGAFF and championing the cause of freight forwarders.
Dr. Aniebonam, who also doubles as the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was celebrated as a trailblazer whose efforts have greatly. Impacted and transformed the industry,and indeed,the freight forwarders.
It was an evening of dance and merriment as attendees were treated to a presentation on the proposed secretariat, anniversary cake cutting, and captivating acrobatic performances.
As NAGAFF celebrates its silver jubilee, Chief Ezisi called on members and stakeholders to honor the contributions of those who have dedicated their efforts to the association’s success. He acknowledged Dr. B.O. Aniebonam, who served as NAGAFF’s first president from 1999 to 2005, for his foundational role in the association’s tortuous ,but fruitful journey.