The association’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Clement Iwegbuna, said this in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.
Iwegbuna said Nigeria-bound cargoes were being diverted to neighbouring countries, worsening smuggling and undermining legitimate trade activities.
According to him, porous borders enabling unchecked entry of goods pose serious national security and economic implications.
“May we draw the attention of government agency leaders to avoidable corruption at approved entry points across Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service, SON, NDLEA, Nigeria Police Maritime and NAFDAC to strengthen supervision at ports and borders.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on the rule of law and hard work,” Iwegbuna stated.
He said industrial harmony and productivity were essential to restoring objectivity and improving port efficiency nationwide.
Iwegbuna stressed the urgent need for decisive leadership to stem corruption at customs ports and border stations.
He noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council must address empty container shortages and unapproved charges by shipping companies and terminal operators.
“It is worrisome that export capacity is undermined, costing Nigeria significant foreign exchange revenue,” he said.
Iwegbuna added that corruption had rendered Nigeria’s ports uncompetitive, in spite of concession reforms meant to boost efficiency.
“With these realities, the Renewed Hope Agenda risks becoming a castle built on shifting sand,” he warned.
He said NAGAFF remained ready to support government efforts to uphold the rule of law and constitutional order.
According to Iwegbuna, the association may recommend action against officials lacking capacity to implement presidential port reforms.
He said freight forwarders were tired of paying bribes merely to operate within ports and border stations.
Iwegbuna added that NAGAFF would later expand its claims, pending outcomes of the national single window model expected by March 27. (NAN)
