The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has denied allegations leveled against members by Maritime Police Command over interception of containers laden with toxic ponmo and bulletproof doors.
Recall that maritime police over the weekend accused members of NAGAFF over clearance of cargoes from the seaports without proper paper document.
But in a statement signed on Tuesday by Fwdr. Igwe Kingsley , National Secretary of the freight forwarding association, noted that after intensive and rigorous investigation by the high command of the association , it can unequivocally assert that NAGAFF is not aware of such allegations as claimed in the police authorities.
Igwe reiterated that no NAGAFF member was found to have imported or clear the said toxic raw skin (Ponmo) and bulletproof doors without required government papers and approvals as stated by the Maritime Police Command pointing out that the association has been in existence for over 23 years without any known criminal record(s) by members.
The scribe further affirmed that NAGAFF will continue to extend professionalism and unwavering support to peaceful conduct and cooperation with the Maritime Police Command and other agencies of government as always.
“That Freight Forwarders neither engage in import business or issuance of import regulated documents. Suffices to clarify that a Freight Forwarder means the person concluding a contract of Freight Forwarding Services with a Customer whose business involves import, export, manufacturing, distribution, procurement and transshipment of goods.
“In event that NAGAFF might have been oblivious of such act of import of ‘Ponmo’ and Bulletproof Doors without fulfilling the statutory documentation as alleged, we implore the Maritime Police to publish names and contacts of the Consignee (importer) as it appeared on the Bill of Lading as well as the container number(s) in their possession for NAGAFF to assist them in fetching out such a member(s).
“Therefore, NAGAFF high command is pleased to notify the general public to disregard such publication in its entirety without prejudice.
We wish to reiterate our assurance to you that NAGAFF will continue to extend her professionalism and unwavering support to peaceful conduct and cooperation with the Maritime Police Command and other Agencies of government as always.
