Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Tanko, has strongly refuted claims made by an online media outlet suggesting that the team has become ineffective and non-operational following the reconstitution of NAGAFF’s Trade Facilitation Committee.
In a statement to Maritime Journalists, Dr. Tanko emphasized that the compliance team, which is responsible for enforcing trade regulations, remains unwavering in its mission despite facing scrutiny and obstacles. He clarified that the reconstitution of the Trade Facilitation Committee has not diminished the team’s effectiveness.
“It was merely reconstituted following the abysmal failure of the previous one.Our duties and functions were clearly spelt out by the NAGAFF high Command.”
“Despite misgivings and calls for disbandment, the compliance team remains resolute. Their mandate, clearly outlined by NAGAFF’s high command, drives their actions.
“We had to lie low to see if the challenges confronting us in the industry could be challenged,and tackled any other way! But alas, no action and no action! and everyone is now asking,’ what became of the compliance Team’? The team is intact and about to stage a big comeback.
“Right now, we are preparing grounds for a suit against NAFDAC for collecting samples and never returning them to the owners, after ostensibly carrying out tests on the items”, he stated.
Dr. Tanko raised questions about operational inefficiencies at the scanning site, pointing to abandoned examination platforms and unaddressed obstacles. He accused APMT of undermining government trade facilitation efforts by restricting agents from using their own trucks for deliveries, thereby financially benefiting the terminal operator.
“They never returned the containers, nor the offending perpetrators apprehended or handed over to the police for prosecutions. We want answers to what happens to the confiscated items.
“Why hasn’t anyone tackled the man made obstacles to the operations at the Scanning site? How come the original design of operations there were jettisoned? Why is the examination platform erected for scanning operations not in use? The compliance team is gearing up for significant actions:
Despite these challenges, Dr. Tanko affirmed the team’s resilience and dedication to promoting efficient trade practices and security. He announced that the 100% Compliance Team would convene next week to reaffirm their commitment to sustainable freight forwarding.
“I see obstacles as a ‘blood tonic,’ propelling me into action,” Dr. Tanko remarked. “We are not in competition with anyone but are resolute in fighting impediments to sustainable freight forwarding.”
This statement follows an editorial by an online publication criticizing NAGAFF’s decision to undermine the compliance team’s relevance. The editorial warned that disbanding the team would damage NAGAFF’s credibility and urged immediate action to reinstate the team’s full operations.
As the compliance team prepares for renewed action, Dr. Tanko’s message is clear: the team remains steadfast in its mission to ensure adherence to trade regulations and support the freight forwarding industry.