NAGAFF Set To Commission 100% Compliance, Port Harcourt Secretariat, Unveils Apapa Mega Centre

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has concluded plans to commission a new secretariat for its 100% Compliance Team in Port Harcourt,Rivers State, signaling a bold commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law across Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.

Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, National Coordinator , NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team,disclosed this on Friday during the unveiling of its mega secretariat , Apapa Lagos .

While speaking , Tanko noted that commissioning of the new Lagos Secretariat marks a strategic step in strengthening NAGAFF’s compliance architecture at a time of heightened focus on port reforms, security, and trade transparency in Nigeria.

Tanko zeroed in on practical challenges like accurate cargo declarations and examinations. “Examine your container. Declare what you have,” he advised, warning that under-declaration fuels delays, losses, and crimes like drug trafficking.

 

The team, he clarified, supports legitimate profits through training, partnerships, and discipline.

This Port Harcourt Secretariat launch,will  strengthen NAGAFF’s compliance team framework amid seamless port operations, prioritizing security, transparency, and sustainable growth.

 

Tanko also commended the NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, believing in him in the fight against corruption and non compliance in port operations.

He warned operators against under-declaration and concealment, linking such practices to delays, financial losses, and unnecessary confrontations with enforcement agencies.

“Examine your container. Declare what you have,” Ibrahim urged, noting that honest declaration protects not just businesses but families and the wider society from the ripple effects of crime, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling.

He explained that the Compliance Team is not against profit-making but against illegal profiteering. According to him, NAGAFF is working to ensure fair earnings, transparency, and structured training that will help members grow sustainably.

Ibrahim also highlighted plans to strengthen compliance training, partnerships, and internal disciplinary mechanisms, stressing that education—not intimidation—is key to long-term change.

Also speaking, Aniebonam reiterated NAGAFF’s position as a responsible partner of government, particularly in supporting customs reforms, trade facilitation, and compliance enforcement. Drawing from his background and decades of experience, he warned against false cargo declarations, blackmail, and corrupt practices, noting that such actions only create long-term problems for operators and the system at large.

Aniebonam emphasized peace, love, and lawful engagement as the cornerstone of national development and sustainable governance. He urged freight forwarders, compliance officers, and citizens alike to support the Federal Government of Nigeria by operating strictly within the framework of the law.

“The rule of law is the beginning and the end of a peaceful society,” Aniebonam said, calling on stakeholders to reject fear, intimidation, and shortcuts, and instead embrace dialogue, ethical conduct, and due process.

He stressed that once individuals or organizations operate in the public space, criticism and scrutiny are inevitable, but maturity and responsibility must guide responses. According to him, there are “no good or bad guys,” only citizens bound by shared obligations to society.

 

“If you are carrying water, declare water. Don’t declare telephone,” he cautioned, adding that honesty and transparency remain the safest path in trade operations.

The NAGAFF founder further clarified that while compliance is critical, it must be carried out within defined limits. He warned members of compliance groups against abuse of power, stressing that “see something, say something” must always follow proper reporting channels and peaceful engagement.

“You are not the government. You must understand the limits of your powers,” he said, urging compliance officers to report infractions to appropriate authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.

He praised ongoing renovations and reforms within NAGAFF, describing the association as alive, resilient, and focused on evolving ethical and professional standards that align with global best practices.

Speaking at the event, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi (RFF), National President of NAGAFF, described the commissioning as a symbol of renewal and renewed resolve.

Ezisi praised the NAGAFF Compliance Team for its resilience, describing compliance work as demanding and often misunderstood, but essential for the integrity of the freight forwarding profession.

“If you see something, say something—but follow the process,” Ezisi emphasized, echoing the founder’s call for discipline and order. He openly acknowledged the strong foundation laid by Chief Aniebonam, noting that it has made leadership transition and continuity easier.

 

“This is a new hope. He has done it before. He’s back,” Ezisi said, assuring members of his full support and commitment to reform.