The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has declared its support for the appointment of Mr. Kingsley Onyekachi Igwe as the substantive Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
The association also condemned the legal action taken by four self-accredited freight forwarding associations against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the appointment.
In a statement released in Lagos on Sunday, APFFLON’s National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, criticized the legal challenge as unrepresentative and self-serving, accusing the associations of acting out of personal interest after failing to meet eligibility criteria.
He emphasized that the minister’s decision aligns with the longstanding demand for a professional freight forwarder to lead the CRFFN.
Ogunojemite described the appointment of Igwe as a turning point for the freight forwarding industry, noting that stakeholders had long advocated for a practitioner to occupy the role. “For years, we clamored for the appointment of a professional as Registrar/CEO of CRFFN. Now that we have one, these individuals are resorting to litigation. Their opposition is not in the industry’s interest but is driven by selfish motives,” he said.
He praised Oyetola for taking a decisive step to reform the industry, adding that the CRFFN Act of 2007 empowers the minister to act in the “Direction of General Character” during emergencies. “The minister acted within his authority and in the best interest of the profession. APFFLON fully supports his decision and will not allow selfish interests to derail the progress being made.”
Ogunojemite questioned the credibility of the associations that were challenging the appointment, accusing them of failing to comply with regulatory requirements. “These associations have run afoul of the CRFFN Act by failing to pay their annual subscriptions to maintain accreditation. Many are also in violation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) for not making statutory filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Some of these associations are inactive and legally nonexistent,” he alleged.
He further criticized their history of bypassing due process, pointing to the controversial 6:6:1:1 formula used for electing representatives into the CRFFN Governing Council. “They did not follow due process when it suited them. Now that the odds are not in their favour, they are crying foul,” Ogunojemite said.
To counter the legal challenge, APFFLON announced plans to join the case as an interested party. “We have contacted our lawyers to commence the process of joining the suit in defense of the minister’s decision. We believe the minister acted in the industry’s best interest, and we will provide the necessary support to ensure this appointment stands,” Ogunojemite stated.
He reiterated that the dissenting associations lack the legal standing to challenge the appointment. “Accreditation is not permanent, and many of these associations have failed to meet the requirements for maintaining their status. Their opposition is baseless and unrepresentative of the majority of freight forwarders in Nigeria.”
Ogunojemite urged all stakeholders to support Mr. Igwe’s appointment and the broader reforms being spearheaded by the minister. “The industry is at a critical juncture, and we must unite to move it forward. Enough is enough. Nigeria must become visible in the comity of maritime nations, and this appointment is a step in the right direction.”
He concluded by reaffirming APFFLON’s commitment to the growth and development of the maritime sector. “We stand firmly with the minister and Mr. Igwe, and we will not allow selfish interests to derail the progress being made.”
The case is scheduled to be heard in court later this week, with APFFLON poised to join the proceedings in support of Mr. Igwe’s appointment and the minister’s decision.
