… urges govt to engage stakeholders on trade policies
The Trade War Advocacy Committee of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called on the Federal Government to abolish the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) regime and replace it with the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) system to improve transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s trade monitoring framework.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media Affairs, Clement Iwegbuna, the committee said the current PAAR system has become prone to abuse, manipulation, and exploitation, warning that its continued operation could deepen systemic corruption within the country’s trade facilitation structure.
The group explained that the destination inspection regime built on physical verification of cargo at the port of destination remains a straightforward and transparent system in which importers are expected to make honest declarations on the classification, value, and origin of their goods for customs purposes.
Under the process, customs officers are responsible for verifying the declarations and authorising cargo release where the information is accurate. Where discrepancies arise, the matter is referred to specialised units within the Nigeria Customs Service for resolution through valuation, classification, or enforcement channels.
However, the committee argued that the PAAR system has undermined the effectiveness of this process and created opportunities for delays and irregularities in cargo clearance.
According to the group, introducing the International Cargo Tracking Note would provide advance data on import and export consignments before their arrival in Nigeria, strengthening risk management, cargo traceability, and regulatory oversight across the logistics chain.
It added that the system could also boost government revenue, improve cargo visibility, and help curb under-declaration, concealment of goods, and the importation of prohibited or hazardous consignments.
The committee further urged authorities to strengthen the Post-Clearance Audit mechanism of the Nigeria Customs Service in line with global best practices promoted by the World Customs Organisation.
To enhance automation and reduce excessive human intervention at ports, the group also recommended the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies such as hydro scanners and modern cargo scanning systems, alongside the development of an integrated national trade platform under a Single Window framework.
The advocacy group also called for stricter monitoring of the Authorised Economic Operator programme to prevent abuse and ensure compliance within Nigeria’s supply chain system.
It raised concerns about the activities of some foreign operators involved in logistics, bonded terminals, and Free Trade Zones, stressing the need for stronger regulatory oversight to protect Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
The committee urged government agencies operating at the nation’s entry points including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to adopt more proactive and accountable approaches to trade regulation.
It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise stakeholder engagement in shaping trade policies and address administrative practices that contribute to cargo clearance delays at Nigerian ports.
The group warned that inefficient port operations could undermine trade competitiveness and disrupt supply chains, emphasising that efficient cargo clearance is vital for economic growth and investor confidence.