Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) marked its 25th anniversary on Saturday with a grand event in Lagos, where the association launched a ₦500 million fundraising campaign for a permanent secretariat. The celebration brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, and members, with over ₦100 million raised during the event to kickstart the ambitious project.
In his opening address, NAGAFF’s National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, reflected on the association’s journey since its establishment on November 30, 1999. He lauded the resilience of the association’s founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, for his vision and determination to professionalize the freight forwarding industry despite facing significant challenges in its early years.
Chief Ezisi highlighted NAGAFF’s transformative role in the freight forwarding sector, noting its success in promoting transparency, blocking revenue leakages, and advocating for genuine and honest declarations. He credited the association’s efforts with boosting revenue for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and contributing to Nigeria’s GDP.
“We have revolutionized the freight forwarding industry by emancipating practitioners from oppressive practices and ensuring that all revenue due to the government is paid promptly,” Ezisi stated.
The association’s commitment to human capital development and job creation was underscored, with Chief Ezisi revealing that NAGAFF has provided employment opportunities to over 50,000 young Nigerians, reducing unemployment and associated social vices.
Ezisi urged the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the NCS to address operational inefficiencies, arbitrary charges, and challenges in the ease of doing business at ports. He stressed that these reforms are essential to maintaining Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness and driving economic growth.
Representing NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, General Manager of Operations Mr. Charles Okaga commended NAGAFF for its professionalism and advocacy. Dr. Dantsoho highlighted the disparity between Nigeria’s trade volumes and those of smaller neighboring countries, calling for stakeholders to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen Nigeria’s position in maritime trade.
Former NAGAFF President Dr. Eugene Nweke delivered the anniversary lecture, emphasizing the need for Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector to embrace advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and drones. He called for a deeper understanding of the distinctions between freight forwarding and logistics to preserve the profession’s integrity.
“While the global freight forwarding industry is evolving with ninth- and tenth-party logistics providers, Nigeria still lags behind with third-party logistics,” Dr. Nweke noted.
The event featured tributes to Dr. Aniebonam for his pioneering role in transforming the industry and supporting freight forwarders. As the founder of both NAGAFF and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), his contributions were celebrated as foundational to the association’s success.
The evening culminated with the unveiling of the ₦500 million secretariat project, cake cutting, and vibrant performances. Chief Ezisi called on members to honor the legacy of those who have dedicated their efforts to NAGAFF’s mission, as the association looks to the future with renewed vigor and commitment.
With its 25-year legacy as a pillar of professionalism and advocacy in the maritime sector, NAGAFF remains poised to drive meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.