The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has been accused of deliberately shutting out its accredited associations from participating in a panel investigation into petitions and complaints against the council.
Recall that a probe panel was established by the supervisory Ministry to investigate various allegations against CRFFN, including corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of office.
The ministry had requested the council to invite the leadership of the five accredited associations and Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) to the panel.
However, some of the accredited associations which include: Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders informed our correspondent that they did not receive any official invitation from the CRFFN regarding the probe
The controversial decision our correspondent gathered has raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the council’s commitment to reform.
The associations noted that the council’s refusal to include accredited associations in the investigation has cast a shadow over the panel’s legitimacy and effectiveness and sincerity of purpose.
In a chat with our correspondent, Mr Olumide Fakanlu, National Secretary of ANLCA confirmed that the association was not invited by the CRFFN. “We were not invited, and even when we sent a representative from Lagos, he was denied entrance as they said only the President of the association would be allowed, this is even without an official invitation to the panel”.
Similarly, Mr Kingsley Chukwudi, National Secretary of NAGAFF, said: “We were not informed about the panel, and I am only hearing about it from you, if we had been informed we would have been there”.
However, Mr Frank Obikezie, Secretary of AREFFN, said, “We received an invitation, but unfortunately, we couldn’t attend due to the heavy rain. However, we expect a transparent investigation that involves all stakeholders.”
Industry stakeholders have expressed disappointment at CRFFN’s actions, questioning the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The development has also raised concerns about the panel’s ability to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
The controversy our correspondent gathered, has sparked calls for intervention from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. The boycott has also reignited calls for CRFFN’s reform, with many stakeholders demanding a complete overhaul of the council’s leadership and structure.
