Check indiscriminate interception of imported vehicles outside port- NAGAFF urges new police boss

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has urged the newly posted Area Commander in Charge of Area B Police Command, Apapa, Umar Dikwa, to address the indiscriminate interception of already cleared cargoes particularly imported vehicles from the ports by his officers.

Founder of NAGAFF, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, made the call on Friday when the Area commander paid a courtesy visit to the NAGAFF headquarters in Apapa.

“We hear reported cases of indiscriminate interception of cargoes, particularly imported vehicles and brazen extortion of cargo by police personnel. We urge you to please look into this issue,” Anieboanm told the Area commander.

He said the role of NAGAFF as an association is to oversee and protect the interest of its members in the course of their business, especially those that are legitimate.

Aniebonam who recalled the existing relationship between the police and NAGAFF said the association does not encourage false declaration in cargo clearance.

Responding, the Area Commander, said his visit to NAGAFF was to solicit the association’s support during his stay.

While assuring that the issue would be looked into, Dikwa commended NAGAFF members for being a law-abiding group stating that since his assumption of office at the command three months ago, he had not received any negative report involving members of the association.

He said, “I assumed duty as the Area Commander three months ago and I have handled so many cases about clearing agents but I have never seen any file that somebody from NAGAFF committed an offence for me to jail him or take time to court.

“Kudos to NAGAFF and I hope this record will be maintained. However, if there is any problem, my doors are open for discussion any time,”

President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi assured that the association will support and collaborate with the police in maintaining law and order within the port environment.