From left: Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi and Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.

Newly posted Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has congratulated the founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as he marks his 65th birthday.

In a congratulatory message to Aniebonam addressed as Ozo Ebube by his associates and admirers, the new Tin Can Island Customs boss described Aniebonam as the ‘conscience of Nigeria’s maritime industry’.

The message reads in part: “This is a special occasion to celebrate the Ozo Ebubechukwu of Umuawulu, Anambra State, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. You are a philanthropist, motivational speaker, prolific writer, conscientious counselor, a worthy role-model par excellence, an empowerment giant, and more. I celebrate you Sir.”

“This birthday celebration is a golden opportunity for you to reflect on your role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years. While you reflect on the good times and noteworthy accomplishments, it is also important that you appreciate your good legacies and ensure that they are sustained by your mentees and followers.”

Comptroller Nnadi, however, emphasised that the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs expects the NAGAFF founder to rally the leaders and members of the association in lending a hand of support as the command seeks to generate over 48 per cent of its over N801billion annual revenue target for the 2023 fiscal year in the next three months.

“I am using this opportunity to beckon on you as the cerebral NAGAFF founder and a dynamic leader, to inspire your executives and members towards playing a strategic role in discouraging smuggling and ensuring a boost in revenue generation of Customs, and by extension revenue boost for the nation. This is what Nigeria needs at such a time as this”, he pleaded.

According to Comptroller Nnadi, there are not many personalities as influential as Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in the nation’s maritime space, yet the NAGAFF founder remains so humble, accessible and generous.

Comptroller Nnadi, the Customs anti-smuggling Czar, however thanked the veteran freight forwarder for gracing his recent handover ceremony when he took over the reins of leadership as the 20th Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command on Thursday.

In addition to his roles in the maritime and shipping industry, Dr. Aniebonam is a passionate national political party leader, having founded the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP, about 21 years ago. He is also an in-depth scholar, a community leader, a devout Christian, an empowerment giant, a sports fan and Patron of NAGAFF Football Club.

As a lover of truth, Aniebonam is also a supporter of free expression and greatly appreciates the role of the media in informing, educating, and entertaining. He is the patron of many media associations including but not limited to the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria MARAN, the Financial Correspondents of Nigeria FICAN, and the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria CRAN.