The National Coordinator of the 100 Percent Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders Ibrahim Tanko, has threatened to sue the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for allegedly collecting samples from importers without returning them.
Speaking about allegations that the team has become ineffective due to the reconstitution of the Trade Facilitation Committee of NAGAFF, Tanko said, “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 emphasized that despite scrutiny and obstacles, the compliance team remains dedicated to enforcing trade regulations. He clarified that the reconstitution of NAGAFF’s trade facilitation committee did not affect the compliance team’s operations. “It was merely reconstituted following the abysmal failure of the previous one. Our duties and functions were clearly spelled out by the NAGAFF high command,” he added.
Tanko addressed concerns about the team’s inactivity, stating, “We had to lie low to see if the challenges confronting us in the industry could be 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.”
He assured that the team remains vigilant and committed to efficient trade practices and security. “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.
Tanko concluded by reaffirming the team’s dedication, saying, “I see obstacles as ‘blood tonic,’ an elixir that propels me into actions that seem insurmountable.”
