Mazi Egbuchunem Chekwube Tobias Unveils Vision to Reposition NAGAFF Seme Border
The Chairmanship candidate of the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Seme Border Chapter, *Mazi Egbuchunem Chekwube Tobias (B.Sc.), has outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at restoring unity, professionalism, and efficiency within the association if elected into office.
Speaking during an interactive session, Tobias declared that his foremost vision is to make NAGAFF the most respected and sought-after freight forwarding association at the Seme Border.
According to him, his first 100 days in office will focus on rebuilding trust among members, uniting the association as one family, and bringing back members who have become disillusioned with the leadership.
On members’ welfare, Tobias pledged to protect freight forwarders and customs agents from intimidation and harassment while carrying out their legitimate businesses. He emphasized that every member deserves a conducive environment to operate without fear or undue interference.
To strengthen unity within the association, he promised to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, stressing that these values would serve as the foundation of his administration.
Addressing the persistent challenges of delays, multiple checkpoints, and high operational costs at the border, Tobias said his administration would foster stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security and regulatory agencies operating at the Seme Border. He believes improved relationships and mutual understanding will help eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks and promote smoother trade facilitation.
He also stressed the importance of improving cooperation between customs officers and freight forwarders through effective communication, commitment, and strict adherence to due process by members.
On tackling corruption and unethical practices within the freight forwarding industry, Tobias pledged to enforce compliance with established regulations and encourage members to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, he promised to organize regular workshops and seminars to keep members informed about evolving maritime policies, customs procedures, and international trade practices.
The chairmanship hopeful further expressed his commitment to empowering young professionals by creating an environment that inspires confidence in the association through purposeful leadership and a lasting positive legacy.
Speaking on technology, Tobias noted that the freight forwarding industry has entered a digital era where technology plays a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency.
He said modern communication tools would enable members to monitor and coordinate their businesses effectively, even from remote locations.
To improve transparency and accountability, he assured members of regular meetings and effective dissemination of information through a proactive Public Relations Officer (PRO), ensuring that every member remains informed about the activities of the executive.
He also reassured traders, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders who depend on the Seme Border that NAGAFF under his leadership would provide better services, eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks, and usher in a new era of confidence and progress.
Tobias expressed optimism that, with God’s grace, his administration would become one of the most successful in the history of NAGAFF Seme Chapter, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, good governance, and people-oriented leadership.
Giving his final assurance to members, he described his team as a “Liberation Team,” determined to restore the association to greater heights through transparency, unity, accountability, and quality leadership.
“We are here to liberate NAGAFF Seme from the hands of bad leadership. Members should trust us because we are committed to delivering on every promise we make,” he stated
