NAGAFF Renames Trade War Advocacy Committee to Trade Advocacy Committee
NAGAFF Renames Trade War Advocacy Committee to Trade Advocacy Committee
By Babatunde Aremu
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced a strategic change in the nomenclature of its “Trade War Advocacy Committee,” now to be known as the Trade Advocacy Committee.
The decision follows growing calls from practicing freight forwarders who expressed concern that the former name conveyed an unintended confrontational tone. Stakeholders advocated for a more collaborative and solution-driven identity that better reflects the committee’s core purpose within Nigeria’s maritime and trade ecosystem.
According to a statement from the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam Okechukwu, the newly renamed committee will operate as the Trade Advocacy Committee of NAGAFF Headquarters, domiciled under the Office of the Founder.
Dr. Aniebonam noted that the renaming aligns with the association’s commitment to fostering peace, enhancing port efficiency, and promoting productivity across Nigeria’s trade corridors. He emphasized that the committee is not designed to target any individual, agency, or organization, but rather to serve as a platform for constructive engagement and policy advocacy.
He further explained that the move is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework and economic growth.
Recall that the committee was recently inaugurated as part of NAGAFF’s broader efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and address systemic challenges affecting freight forwarding operations in the country. Its mission centers on promoting dialogue, advocating for trade-friendly policies, and supporting government initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business at Nigerian ports.
Its objectives include:
Encouraging collaboration among industry stakeholders
Identifying and addressing bottlenecks in port operations
Advocating reforms that enhance transparency and efficiency
Supporting national economic growth through improved trade systems amongst others.
Industry observers believe the renaming and repositioning of the committee signal a shift toward diplomacy, inclusiveness, and proactive problem-solving within the maritime sector.
NAGAFF reaffirmed its dedication to working with government agencies, private sector players, and international partners to build a more efficient and globally competitive trade environment for Nigeria.
