The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has cautioned freight forwarders against any action that may threaten the already fragile supply chain, especially of essential services.
The Council, in a letter sent to the Presidents of the five registered associations, and signed by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer; Barrister Samuel Nwakohu, acknowledged that it had receive information that some freight forwarders have embarked on strike, but it also warned against the action.
In the letter, the CRFFN told the registered associations that it has “heard unofficially that a fraction of freight forwarders has embarked on strike action which we consider illegal and a serious threat to the life of teeming Nigerians relying on the supply chain for their essential supplies”.
The Council called on the leaders of the associations to call the renegade freight forwarders to order, and stop the strike.
“I therefore urge you to act fast to arrest this development by ensuring a reversal of the strike action while we work together to address whatever challenges confronting freight forwarding at this time.
In the letter, a copy of which was sighted by Shipping Position Daily was also copied to the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority.
The CRFFN also admonished the freight forwarders to be very conscious of the rating of freight forwarding as essential services in the concept of the pandemic COVID-19.
“We want to believe that you understand the urgency of the times we are in and the fact that the Federal government classifies freight forwarding as essential service especially in the context of COVID -19”
“While appreciating the Federal government for underscoring the importance of freight forwarding profession, we must not engage in anything that will jeopardize the efforts of government in containing the covid-19 pandemic as well as sustain the lives of people. Any action obstructing the flow of the essential supply chain at this time may tantamount to sabotage of a high order”, the CRFFN said in its letter.
While cautioning the practitioners against the strike and the demands of their professional calling, the Council told the associations that, “the situation we are in is similar to a war time and those entrusted with ensuring the sustainable flow of life support essentials must be professional enough and ethically responsible in the discharge of their duties.”
The CRFFN also cautioned the practitioners against the consequences of their action as the Federal Government may move against them. “If this developing trend is not nipped in the bud as quickly as possible, we fear it may attract serious consequences from the federal government and the Associations’ leadership may be held responsible”.
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