NAGAFF RECOMMISSIONS COMPLIANCE TEAM, PROMISES STRONGER ENFORCEMENT
NAGAFF Recommissions Compliance Team, promises Stronger Enforcement
By Babatunde Aremu
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced the recommissioning and relaunch of its Compliance Team, describing the move as a renewed and more forceful push to ensure strict adherence to laws and regulations governing Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry.
Speaking in an interview to P journalists on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Apapa, the Chief of Staff of the NAGAFF Compliance Team, Mr. Bartholomew Okeke, said the recommissioning ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at the team’s new office location within the same plaza it previously occupied.
Mr. Okeke explained that the Compliance Team, inaugurated in February 2021, serves as NAGAFF’s enforcement and intervention arm.
According to him, the team executes legitimate directives of the National President to ensure that freight forwarders and relevant government agencies comply with extant rules and regulations.
“Where there is infringement from either practitioners or government agencies, we intervene. That is why it is called the Compliance Team. We are not confrontational by default; we are interventionist,” he said.
He noted that the recommissioning became necessary after the team’s former office space was taken over by the plaza management for other uses, necessitating relocation to another block within the same complex. However, he stressed that the exercise goes beyond reopening an office.
“We are not just recommissioning an office; we are relaunching ourselves more forcefully. We want people to know that we are not just back—we are forward-looking and fully committed to ensuring that all extant laws guiding the freight forwarding industry are strictly observed,” Okeke stated.
On challenges faced by the Compliance Team in the past, Okeke identified non-compliance by both operators and some government agency personnel, often driven by personal interests.
“There are people among government agencies who are out for their own pockets. When we confront such issues head-on with facts and institutional backing, they comply. We are connected to relevant authorities and we escalate issues of non-compliance appropriately,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Compliance Team plans to adopt a more engagement-driven approach rather than confrontation.
“The next phase is deeper engagement with agencies and stakeholders. It’s not all about fighting; it’s about facilitating trade. We want practical engagement, dialogue, and a think-tank approach to address challenges head-on,” he explained.
Commenting on the level of compliance in the industry, Okeke said automation and reduced human interference have improved adherence to procedures, placing compliance at about 60 percent.
“It’s not satisfactory yet, but we are moving forward. Our target is at least 90 percent compliance. There is no foolproof system, but our job is to educate, re-educate, and ensure reasonable compliance,” he added.
He reaffirmed NAGAFF’s role as the umbrella body of freight forwarders in Nigeria, boasting the largest membership in the sector.
“When NAGAFF speaks, the industry listens. We represent the industry optimally,” he said, adding that continuous training remains central to the association’s philosophy of operating strictly on the side of the law.
Recalling past interventions, Okeke cited NAGAFF’s opposition to arbitrary increases in terminal and shipping line charges, including protests and engagements with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council that led to stakeholder meetings and moderated outcomes.
“We do not shy away from defending our members and the economy. Whenever there are arbitrary charges, we are at the front line,” he stressed.
On membership strength, he disclosed that NAGAFF has over 1,000 members across various chapters nationwide, with the Compliance Team present in all major ports.
As part of post-recommissioning activities, Okeke revealed that the Compliance Team will embark on advocacy visits to the Eastern Ports and Port Harcourt to reinforce its message of compliance and alliance-building.
He also acknowledged that disciplinary measures, including sanctions, are sometimes necessary to enforce compliance.
“There must always be room for discipline. We are the mirror of NAGAFF, and we must uphold its image,” he said.
According to him, the recommissioning ceremony on Friday is expected to attract top dignitaries, including the National President of NAGAFF, the Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Customs representatives, and other key stakeholders.
“We expect encouragement, guidance, and even correction where necessary. The goal is to rekindle the flame that was lit years ago and ensure it is never extinguished,” Okeke concluded.
