The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised concerns over alleged high-level corruption at Nigeria’s ports and border stations, warning that the trend threatens national security and economic growth.
The association’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Clement Iwegbuna, made the assertion in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.
Iwegbuna alleged that Nigeria-bound cargoes were increasingly being diverted to neighbouring countries, a development he said was fuelling smuggling and undermining legitimate trade activities.
According to him, porous borders that allow unchecked entry of goods pose serious security and economic risks to the country.
“May we draw the attention of government agency leaders to avoidable corruption at approved entry points across Nigeria,” he said.
He called on the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Maritime, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen supervision at ports and borders.
Iwegbuna noted that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was anchored on the rule of law and hard work, stressing that industrial harmony and productivity were essential to restoring objectivity and improving port efficiency nationwide.
He emphasised the urgent need for decisive leadership to curb corruption at customs ports and border stations.
The NAGAFF spokesman also urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to address the persistent shortage of empty containers and tackle unapproved charges imposed by shipping companies and terminal operators.
“It is worrisome that export capacity is undermined, costing Nigeria significant foreign exchange revenue,” he said.
Iwegbuna further lamented that corruption had made Nigeria’s ports uncompetitive despite concession reforms designed to boost operational efficiency.
“With these realities, the Renewed Hope Agenda risks becoming a castle built on shifting sand,” he warned.
He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to support government efforts aimed at upholding the rule of law and constitutional order.
According to him, NAGAFF may recommend action against officials who lack the capacity to implement presidential port reforms, adding that freight forwarders were increasingly frustrated by having to pay bribes just to operate within ports and border stations.
Iwegbuna disclosed that the association would provide further details on its claims after the outcome of the national single window model expected by March 27.
