After almost three years of intense horse trading and very costly delays, parties to the conflict over collection of what was then known as ‘practicing fees’ have eventually sheath their sword. The truce apparently gave rise to the good news that have permeated the freight forwarding fraternity since it filtered out that the Federal Government has released the gazette authourising collection of what is now to be known as ‘practitioners’ operations fees’.
After almost three years of intense horse trading and very costly delays, parties to the conflict over collection of what was then known as ‘practicing fees’ have eventually sheath their sword. The truce apparently gave rise to the good news that have permeated the freight forwarding fraternity since it filtered out that the Federal Government has released the gazette authourising collection of what is now to be known as ‘practitioners’ operations fees’.
Without equivocation, there were two contending forces in the events that led to the cancellation of the practicing fees, namely: the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) on the one hand and the freight forwarding associations on the other.
Within the fold of freight forwarding associations too, there were issues regarding how whatever accrues to them would be shared. In this, there were two positions- the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) one one hand. Of course, three other associations namely: NAFFAC, AREFF and Council of Managing Directors; also standing together.
While the duo of ANLCA and NAGAFF were resolute that the smaller associations would not get equal share as them, the trio also stood together to ask for a commensurate portion of the takings.
Of course, the duo of ANLCA and NAGAFF also took on the regulatory body; the CRFFN, insisting that the body should not appropriate proceeds from the fees. Their argument was that, since the fees are payable by freight forwarders, it is wrong to allow the CRFFN to superintend over the money. Sadly, these positions caused all the contending parties a lot.
It is a truism that the CRFFN is the only agency in the Nigerian maritime industry that have been most bruised (sadly )by its own immediate constituents; the freight forwarders.
Since its creation in 2007, the CRFFN has not enjoyed significant peace; it has had to contend with freight forwarding associations and individual freight forwarders, at different times.
When it was created in 2007 via an Act of the National Assembly, the Council was conceived as the possible solution to the myriad of problems that were militating against freight forwarding and logistics in Nigeria.
Those who fought for its birth would never have envisaged that the council would shortly afterwards,be faced with issues, such as have forced it not to have a governing council for many years and also become so cash-strapped as not to be able to meet its obligations, even to its immediate constituents.
We honestly commend the Council’s Registrar; Sir Mike Jukwe for his ability to hold on and ensure that the Council did not run aground , especially in the face of paucity of funds and various gang-ups against the Council by various interests.
Perhaps, the greatest demonstration of his administrative dexterity is the way he was able to get the warring associations to sit on a round table and agree to work together.
Collecting the practitioners’ operations fee will not only shore –up the Council’s revenue profile, it will also significantly assist it to perform its responsibilities to freight forwarders. Its hold on the registered freight forwarding associations and accredited training institutions will also be enhanced.
Now, all the parties are happy, but we also call the attention of the stakeholders to the lingering issue of elections into the CRFFN Governing council. This is another sore thumb in the life of the Council, and we urge the Registrar to handle this with dispatch and equal seriousness.
As admitted by the Registrar at a recent forum, the two governing councils which the CRFFN has had so far, contributed immensely to its growth. We dare to add that, the absence of a governing council contributed in no small measure to the challenges of the last three years.
We recall and hold on to the promise given by the Registrar that election into the governing council will hold this year.
At this point in the history of the Council, its immediate constituents must also work assiduously towards the elections; the registered associations must hold the Council accountable for its promise of ensuring that a new governing council comes on stream this year.
Discussion about this post