NAGAFF COMPLIANCE TEAM DECRY ₦1 MILLION EXTORTION, PETITIONS POLICE OVER ILLEGAL CONTAINER SEIZURES, THREATENS PORT SHUTDOWN
NAGAFF COMPLIANCE TEAM DECRY ₦1 MILLION EXTORTION, PETITIONS POLICE OVER ILLEGAL CONTAINER SEIZURES, THREATENS PORT SHUTDOWN
By Aliu Joshua
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Compliance Team has petitioned the police over alleged extortion and illegal container seizures at the ports. The team claims that the extortion has reached an alarming rate of ₦1 million, and has threatened to shut down the port if the issue is not addressed.
According to the NAGAFF Compliance Team, the extortion is being carried out by some unscrupulous customs officers and other stakeholders at the ports. The team alleged that these officers are demanding bribes from importers and freight forwarders before releasing their containers.
The NAGAFF Compliance Team has called on the police to investigate the allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice. The team has also threatened to shut down the port if the issue is not addressed, citing the need to protect the interests of its members and the wider trading community.
The allegations of extortion and illegal container seizures at the ports are a cause for concern, and highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the customs clearance process. The NAGAFF Compliance Team’s petition to the police is a welcome step towards addressing these issues and promoting a more conducive business environment at the ports.
The Nigerian government has made efforts to reform the customs service and promote trade facilitation, but more needs to be done to address the issues of corruption and extortion at the ports. The NAGAFF Compliance Team’s threat to shut down the port is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address these issues.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to examine the implications of the allegations and the potential impact on trade and commerce at the ports. The Nigerian government must take decisive action to address the issues of corruption and extortion, and promote a more transparent and accountable customs clearance process.
