Nigeria’s port system is once again in the spotlight—this time with a bold new move from the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

The founder of the association, Boniface Aniebonam, has announced the creation of a 16-member Trade War Committee aimed at confronting corruption, extortion, and operational abuse at Nigerian ports.

The new committee is expected to act as a strong monitoring and reporting body that will expose illegal practices affecting freight forwarders, traders, and logistics operators across the country.

TThe committee was created

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Aniebonam said the committee will focus on identifying and confronting the growing number of challenges facing port users.

For years, many freight forwarders have complained about unofficial charges, delays, and regulatory bottlenecks that increase the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

According to him, the committee will go beyond complaints and begin gathering real operational evidence from the ports. That information will then be used to push for reforms and hold the right institutions accountable.

What the Trade War Committee will do

The committee has been designed as an independent oversight and advisory platform within NAGAFF. Its job is to monitor port operations and provide practical recommendations to improve the system.

Its key responsibilities include:

• Gathering real-time operational intelligence from Nigerian ports

• Reporting verified findings to the Presidency and relevant authorities

• Providing data and evidence to support maritime policy reforms

• Monitoring activities across the international trade and logistics chain

• Engaging institutions and regulators on practical solutions to port challenges

The goal, according to NAGAFF, is to move beyond talk and begin delivering real solutions that can improve efficiency and transparency at the ports.

Leadership of the committee

The newly formed Trade War Committee will be led by Dr Increase Uche as chairman.

Other members of the team include professionals from legal, research, technology, media, and policy backgrounds.

Key members include:

• Dr Increase Uche — Chairman

• Chief Patrick Ogbo — Research and Trade Intelligence

• Dr Arthur Igwilo — Secretary

• Dr Fred Adjuzié — Operations and Strategic Coordination

• Dr Clement Iwebguna — Media and Public Communication

• Dr. Segun Musa — Special Duties

• Ikechukwu Iwebguna — Information Technology

• Kelvin Mbachu — Information Technology

• Miss Hilda Ometere — Special Duties

• Barr. Brian Onyiuike — Legal Affairs

• Barr. Peter Ofikwu — Legal Affairs

• Barr. Ola Rotimi — Legal Affairs

• Barr. Lawrence Ezeudu — Legal Affairs

• Barr. Okwudili Alagbu — Legal Affairs

• Prof. Iyiola Oni — Consulting and Strategic Advisory

• Mr Kingsley Anaroke — Media Consultant

The diverse team is expected to provide expertise across legal, operational, and policy areas.

A push against port exploitation

Aniebonam also warned that ongoing exploitation and inefficiencies at Nigerian ports could undermine ongoing reforms in the maritime sector.

Nigeria’s ports play a major role in the country’s economy, handling most of the nation’s imports and exports. Any corruption or inefficiency in the system directly affects businesses, government revenue, and trade competitiveness.

According to him, some regulatory challenges and weak accountability structures have allowed illegal practices to persist within the port system.

NAGAFF is urging regulatory agencies and stakeholders across the maritime industry to cooperate with the new committee.

The association believes tackling corruption and extortion will require collaboration between freight forwarders, regulators, government agencies, and private operators.

If successful, the initiative could help improve transparency, reduce operational costs, and create a more efficient port environment for legitimate traders.

The real impact of the Trade War Committee will become clearer in the coming months.

Key things to watch include:

• The committee’s first investigative reports

• Evidence and findings from port operations

• Policy recommendations submitted to government authorities

• Reactions from regulators and port agencies

• Any measurable reduction in extortion and illegal charges

For many industry observers, this move by NAGAFF signals a more aggressive approach to confronting corruption and inefficiency within Nigeria’s port system.

If the committee delivers on its mandate, it could become an important voice pushing for accountability and real reform in the country’s maritime sector.