The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), created with so much expectations in 2007 through an Act of the National Assembly and conceived as a possible solution to the myriad of problems that are militating against freight forwarding and logistics practice in Nigeria, has not lived to that billing
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), created with so much expectations in 2007 through an Act of the National Assembly and conceived as a possible solution to the myriad of problems that are militating against freight forwarding and logistics practice in Nigeria, has not lived to that billing
It is not an overstatement that the CRFFN has not really enjoyed peace since it was created, if it was not contending with freight forwarding associations, it would be feuding with individuals. It has had issues with one or two government agencies. Its pioneer governing council spent ample time brokering peace between it and some individuals and between it and some institutions.
Those who fought for its birth would never have envisaged that the council would shortly after its birth be faced with life-threatening issues, such as have forced it not to have a governing council for more than one year and also become so cash strapped as not to be able to meet its obligations.
One of the first questions that its promoters may ask is; whether it was wrong (after all) to have fought for the creation of a body that would enhance the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria.
Some have heaped the blame for the travails of the CRFFN on its pioneer governing council headed by Mr Tony Nwabunike, they equally blame the then-minister of transport; Mr Okechukwu Emeka for foisting that council and its chairman of freight forwarders.
Those who blame the minister, maintain that the calibre of people who held sway as pioneers didn’t have the experience to handle the assignment.
But, when he emerged as the chairman of the governing council, Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju demonstrated uncommon ability to steer the ship of the council. This, he demonstrated in the way he was able to reach a compromise with the NAGAFF during a delicate face-off, and also in the manner in which he was able to tame the ‘renegades’ called IFFFA and the dogged manner in which he was able to pursue the FIATA’s training the trainers programme for freight forwarders.
He, along with the Council’s registrar; Sir Mike Jukwe and other members of the governing council was able to contain the various antics and intrigues which freight forwarders and freight forwarding associations are known for.
In fact, the Council was enjoying an apparently blissful relationship with all its constituents, until the peace was disrupted by the directive from the minister of transport; Senator Idris Umar to the CRFFN that the council could start collecting transaction fees on all imports into the country.
It is correct to infer that it was the twin factors of the attempt to commence collection of practicing fees and the fact that it appeared like members of the then-governing council were reluctant to vacate office that finally reignited the fire of of suspicion and mistrust which eventually brought the CRFFN to its knees.
It was this mistrust that dovetailed into the dissolution of the former governing council.
It is a surprise that all efforts to end the feud have failed, including the feeble intervention by the minister.
Without any equivocation, the last governing council should be held responsible for the fate that befell the CRFFN. The other accomplices are the leaders of the freight forwarding associations.
It is shameful that the CRFFN could engage its registered associations in a dirty fight over money.
All parties agreed that it was the sharing formula of money yet to be collected that caused the deadlock. A compromise at that point would have solved the problem, and all would have lived happily thereafter!
Playing on the rigid posture, immaturity and greed that were demonstrated by the gladiators, what the minister simply did was to simply dissolve a governing council whose tenure had expired. There may have been no need for this if there had been unity between the CRFFN and its immediate constituents, as represented by the registered associations.
We are however happy by the recent news that the CRFFN is moving its headquarters to Lagos, after about seven years.
Perhaps, the Council would have been able to face all its challenges, if it had been a Lagos-based organisation, like others.
It is odd toast the least for the CRFFN to have its headquarters in Abuja, when agencies like NPA , NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council are all based in Lagos, which certainly accounts for about 70 per cent of their operations.
For CRFFN, relocating to Lagos means being in constant and first hand touch with its immediate stakeholders.
It is cheaper and more convenient to run its operations from Lagos and from there connect with other locations such as seaports, airports and land borders. This is how other agencies operate.
Apart from relocating, it is obvious that the CRFFN is not in a position to conduct an election at the moment, given its poor financial position.
Even though it has no governing council, and even though, it can hardly meet its financial commitments, the current move by the Council will certainly change its fortunes and also boost its perception and image in the industry, because it is going to be more accessible.
The Council’s management should also expect a more active relationship and more robust responses from freight forwarders, who have always wanted a council that they can see, feel and touch in their daily activities in the ports and other entry points.
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