The anti-corruption drive of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) on Tuesday received a boost as it entered into a strategic understanding with the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police to fight the menace of corruption that is confronting the nation.
This understanding was sealed when the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam led some members of the Anti Corruption Committee of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police SFU, Anthony Mike Ogbizi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aniebonam submitted that it was now time for Nigerians to support every effort to eradicate the menace of corruption whichwais stunting the development of this great country.
The NAGAFF Founder said corruption was dealing deadly blows on the country, and no effort should be spared in putting an end to the menace of corruption in the country.
He informed the Commissioner of Police that NAGAFF had a long and rich history of confronting corruption at the ports, and that it was in furtherance of the task, that the Association set up a National Committee against Corruption, with the full complement of experienced and dedicated members of the Association at the level of the National Executive Council.
“We in NAGAFF are conversant with the saying that ‘when you fight corruption, corruption fights back’ and there is no gain saying the fact that we have started seeing the signs.
“The truth of the matter is that it is the tonic we needed to become more aggressive against any attempt by anybody or organization to intimidate or harass any of us. Except otherwise to the contrary, NAGAFF is directly in touch with Mr. President in his efforts to fight corruption in Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt Mr. President has been with us before he won election into the exalted position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when we went to break the monopoly of just one man at Jibiya Border of the North West axial of the Federation. Today the Jibiya border has been liberated for all concerned to do their legitimate business unhindered. We appreciate and thank the CGC Hameed Ali Ibrahim in this regard in ensuring that a level playing field is provided for all who have
genuine business to do with Customs at Jibiya border as a freight forwarder”, he said.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police SFU, Anthony Mike Ogbizi expressed appreciation to the NAGAFF leadership for the visit and the support towards efforts to eradicate corruption in our country.
The CP said he was not surprised at the efforts of NAGAFF against corruption, adding that he had known the Association since 1999 when he was the Head of Intelligence at Apapa Port.
He pledged the determination and commitment of himself and his officers to the fight against fraud, in line with the mandate behind the setting up of the Unit.
CP Ogbizi urged NAGAFF to continue in the effort to make our country a pride of everybody.
It would be recalled that the Anti-Corruption Committee of NAGAFF was recently inaugurated by the ICPC in recognition of the effort of the Association in the fight against corruption.
The collaboration is expected to extend to Zone 2 under the leadership of AIG Hassan Bala and the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police in due course.
We therefore wish to advise all freight forwarders and shippers to learn and abide by the rules of engagement in our international trade concerns and freight forwarding practice. The need for trade compliance should be the concern of every stakeholder as we strive to right the wrongs in our country, Nigeria.
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