The Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has announced the establishment of a Trade War Committee to address alleged exploitation of traders and freight forwarding practitioners in Nigerian ports.
In a press release issued from the NAGAFF Headquarters, Aniebonam stated that the committee would be domiciled in the Office of the Founder and tasked with taking responsibility for documenting and confronting operational challenges and corrupt practices within the port system.
According to the statement, the decision followed growing concerns over what it described as persistent exploitation in the nation’s maritime sector, which it said undermines the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and trade facilitation efforts.
“The concept of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President under this level of exploitation in the Nigeria ports is most unfortunate”, the statement noted, adding that the situation becomes more worrisome when some government appointees allegedly fail to add value due to corruption.
The newly formed committee is expected to function as an independent body working closely with the Presidency, providing what it termed “unadulterated facts with material evidence” on activities within the ports. The objective, according to NAGAFF, is to support the President in making informed decisions regarding trade policies, port reforms, and appointments, particularly in the fight against corruption.
Aniebonam emphasised that the President requires credible, firsthand information from industry stakeholders to strengthen ongoing reforms and ensure accountability across agencies operating in the maritime domain.
Composition of the Trade War Committee
The committee is chaired by Dr. Increase Uche, with Dr. Eugene Nweke and Patrick Ogbo serving in the Research unit. Dr. Arthor Igwilo will act as the Secretary, while Dr. Fred Adjuzie heads Operations and Dr. Azubike Ekweozor oversees Logistics.
Other members include Miss. Hilda Ometere (Special Duty); Dr. Clement Iwegbuna (Media); Ikechukwu Iwegbuna and Kelvin Mbachu (Information Technology); Barristers Brian Onyiuke, Peter Ofikwu, Ola Rotimi, Lawrence Ezeudu, and Okwudili Alagbu (Legal); Prof. Iyiola Oni (Consulting); and Mr. Kingsley Anaroke (Media Consulting).
NAGAFF expressed optimism that the committee would serve as a strategic intervention platform to protect the interests of traders and freight forwarders, while promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in Nigerian ports.
Industry observers are expected to watch closely how the committee interfaces with relevant government agencies and the Presidency in the coming months as port reform remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification and trade competitiveness agenda.