The National Coordinator, 100 per cent Compliance Team of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Ibrahim Tanko, has threatened to drag the National Agency For Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), over alleged collection of samples from importers.
The coordinator speaking against the backdrop of allegation that the Team has been rendered ineffective and un-operational due to the reconstitution of Trade Facilitation Committee of NAGAFF, alleged that NAFDAC collects samples without retiring the same to the owners.
“Right now, we are preparing grounds for a suit against NAFDAC for collecting samples and never returning them to the owners, after ostensibly carrying out tests on the items”, Tanko stated.
He remarked that though the team, responsible for enforcing trade regulations, has faced scrutiny and obstacles, they remain steadfast in their mission.
Tanko stressed that the reconstitution of NAGAFF’s trade facilitation committee did not diminish the compliance team’s operations, adding that their effectiveness remains intact.
He further explained that the trade facilitation committee existed before the compliance team saying, “It was merely reconstituted following the abysmal failure of the previous one.Our duties and functions were clearly spelt out by the NAGAFF high Command.”
“Despite misgivings and calls for disbandment, the compliance team remains resolute. Their mandate, clearly outlined by NAGAFF’s high command, drives their actions.
“We had to lie low to see if the challenges confronting us in the industry could be challenged,and tackled any other way! But alas, no action and no action! and everyone is now asking,’ what became of the compliance Team’?
The team is intact and about to stage a big comeback.
“Right now, we are preparing grounds for a suit against NAFDAC for collecting samples and never returning them to the owners, after ostensibly carrying out tests on the items”, he stated.
Dr Tanko who affirmed that NAGAFF’s 100 per cent Compliance Team remains vigilant, fighting for efficient trade practices and security, assured that by next week, the ‘Team’ will convene to reaffirm their dedication to sustainable freight forwarding.
“I see obstacles as “ blood tonic”, an elixir that propels me into actions that seem insurmountable. By next week, the full complement of the compliance Team will be meeting in a show of resilience and commitment to the ideals of the team. We are not in competition with anyone else,but resolute in fighting off impediments to sustainable freight forwarding,” he opined.