The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has reiterated its dedication to transforming freight forwarding practices in Nigeria to meet global standards and enhance ease of doing business at the nation’s ports.

Speaking at the association’s 25th-anniversary celebration and ₦500 million permanent secretariat acquisition project launch in Lagos, NAGAFF President Chief Tochukwu Ezisi highlighted the association’s pivotal role in advancing professionalism in the sector since its inception in 1999.

Chief Ezisi noted that NAGAFF’s establishment marked a turning point, fostering transparency and integrity in customs declarations, which led to a significant boost in revenue generation for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“NAGAFF, as a public advocacy group, ensures that all revenues due to the government through import duties and excise fees are promptly paid. To achieve this, we established various committees that worked tirelessly to collaborate with customs, plugging revenue leakages and ensuring compliance with extant laws,” Ezisi said.

He urged key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), and NCS, to align with global standards to position Nigeria competitively within the global maritime community.

The event attracted prominent dignitaries who contributed generously toward the realization of NAGAFF’s permanent secretariat project. Chief Emelie Okika, the chief launcher, and Chief Tochukwu Ezisi each donated ₦20 million, while the chairman of the occasion, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, contributed ₦7 million. Over ₦100 million was raised at the event.

Highlights of the celebration included a projector display of the secretariat project, the cutting of the anniversary cake, and performances by a group of entertainers.

Speakers at the event commended the association’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for his visionary leadership. Dr. Aniebonam, also the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was celebrated as a trailblazer whose efforts have significantly elevated the status of freight forwarders in Nigeria.

The silver jubilee celebration marked a milestone in NAGAFF’s history as the association looks to further its mission of transforming the freight forwarding industry in the country.