Dr. Increase Uche To Lead NAGAFF’s New Trade War Committee To Tackle Port Corruption
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has inaugurated a 16-member Trade War Committee to tackle corruption, regulatory excesses, and operational bottlenecks in Nigeria’s port system.
Leading this pivotal body as Chairman is Dr. Increase Uche, a seasoned freight forwarding professional tasked with driving intelligence gathering, strategic advocacy, and evidence-based reforms.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday at NAGAFF headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, Aniebonam emphasized that the committee—domiciled in his office—will expose exploitative practices by government agencies and stakeholders, promote professionalism, and address inefficiencies plaguing cargo documentation and clearance.
Aniebonam expressed optimism that Dr. Uche’s leadership will foster accountability, collaboration, and a more competitive maritime sector for Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The idea is to confront corruption without blackmail, gathering credible evidence for government action,” Aniebonam stated.
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The committee will prioritize operational monitoring, policy intelligence, and engagement with authorities, forwarding findings to the presidency to support Federal Government reforms for transparency and efficiency.
Aniebonam clarified that “trade war” signifies a firm stand against non-compliance and unethical practices, not hostility.
He also called for regulatory harmonization between the Customs and Excise Management Act and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Act to ensure accountability for cargo declarations.
Reaffirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, he urged stakeholders to cooperate in sanitizing ports and restoring professionalism.
The full 16- Member Committee Lineup:
:Dr. Increase Uche – Chairman
Chief Patrick Ogbo – Research & Trade Intelligence
Dr. Arthur Igwilo – Secretary
Dr. Fred Ajuzié – Operations & Strategic Coordination
Dr. Clement Iwebguna – Media & Public Communication and Dr. Segun Musa – Special Duties
Others are – Ikechukwu Iwebguna – Information Technology
Kelvin Mbachu – Information Technology
Miss Hilda Ometere – Special Duties
Barr. Brian Onyiuike – Legal Affairs
Barr. Peter Ofikwu – Legal Affairs
Barr. Ola Rotimi – Legal Affairs
Barr. Lawrence Ezeudu – Legal Affairs
Barr. Okwudili Alagbu – Legal Affairs
Prof. Iyiola Oni – Consulting & Strategic Advisory
Mr. Kingsley Anaroke – Media Consulting