The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has appealed to the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi to intervene over the disappearance of no fewer than eight allocated auction buses given to it.
The eight buses which were allocated to the association for the running of its academy were said to have disappeared despite the fact that it has completed payment and the necessary processing of documents for its release.
The founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam made the appeal while expressing concern over the situation.
In a statement made available to Maritime Bits, Aniebonam who is also the founder of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed surprise over NAGAFF inability to take possession of the vehicles which he said were auction allocation to support the training and welfare of students at NAGAFF Academy.
While expressing dismay over the development, he called on the NCS boss to investigate the matter as a way of finding a lasting solution to what he called “this shameful experience in the customs ports.”
Giving an insight into the development, Aniebonam explained that the association had originally applied for 41 vehicles for use across its various formations nationwide but was eventually allocated eight buses.
He explained that NAGAFF accepted the allocation and proceeded with payment and other required procedures in the cargo clearance chain.
His words: “Unfortunately, the vehicles were not found at the ports, prompting the association to seek the intervention of the Customs leadership to resolve whatever issues may be responsible for this ugly experience. We applied for 41 vehicles, cutting across chapters, Kebbi, Sokoto and all others. We were given eight. That eight, we paid, we processed, we got to the port, but we could not get to see even one physically.”
According to the NAGAFF founder, this avoidable circumstances had placed the association in a difficult position as funds had already been committed to the missing auctioned vehicles. Right now, we have paid and our money is stuck. If we knew, we would not have applied in the first instance and continue to struggle in our usual manner
He stressed that the buses were not meant for the personal use of NAGAFF officials or members but were intended to support the academy, particularly in transporting students, lecturers, providing logistics for training activities and other ancillaries thereto
Aniebonam appealed to the CGC to look into the matter and help facilitate its resolution just as he pointed out that NAGAFF and NCS maintained a cordial relationship over the years.
Said he: “NAGAFF and Customs are very close, responsible partners since 1999. It is our hope and belief that CCG Adeniyi shall take interest personally to know what happened.
Aniebonam also linked the support for the NAGAFF Academy to the success of ongoing reforms in NCS, arguing that education is essential and strategic to the capacity of the young freight forwarders under the emerging customs transformation.
According to him, investment in the training of young freight forwarders would ultimately benefit NCS directly and the wider maritime sector. If Adeniyi do not participate to assist and educate these young freight forwarders, all his reforms may be like building a castle on a shifting sand.
Aniebonam enjoined NCS management to urgently examine the circumstances surrounding the delay and work with relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter.
He emphasized that the release of the buses would strengthen the academy’s capacity to train the next generation of freight forwarders.
