The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Convention for Business Integrity (CBI) and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), in a move aimed at enhancing transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct in Nigeria’s freight forwarding and logistics subsector.
The agreement was formalized in Lagos on Friday in the presence of senior officials from both organizations, government representatives, and members of the media.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between CRFFN and CBI-MACN, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, capacity building, access to compliance tools, information sharing, and the promotion of ethical and professional standards. It includes the deployment of the Port Call Assist digital tool and related integrity platforms, training CRFFN staff and members on their use, and enhancing data-driven policy advocacy for the sector.
Both parties also agreed to jointly monitor implementation, hold regular reviews, and ensure that all activities align with the regulatory objectives of the freight forwarding ecosystem.
Registrar and CEO of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, described the occasion as “auspicious” and hailed the partnership as a timely and strategic collaboration in response to the evolving demands of the global supply chain environment.
Igwe emphasized that the Council, as mandated by law, is responsible for regulating freight forwarding practices, setting professional standards, accrediting training institutions, and promoting accountability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the logistics sector. He said the MOU underscores CRFFN’s commitment to building a sector anchored on trust, competence, and integrity.
According to Igwe, the partnership with CBI-MACN will enable CRFFN to implement initiatives that strengthen ethical standards, improve regulatory transparency, expand capacity-building programs, and enhance compliance with international best practices.
“Together, we will create an environment where integrity becomes the standard, professionalism the culture, and excellence the outcome,” he said, noting that the collaboration aligns with broader government reforms under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Also speaking, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI representing MACN in Nigeria, traced the success of anti-corruption reforms in the maritime sector to the government-private sector partnership, noting that Nigeria had transformed from being the biggest anti-corruption challenge in ports globally to being celebrated as a model of reform.
He cited statistics showing a dramatic reduction in cases of bribery and illicit payments at Nigerian ports, from 266 cases in 2019 to just 30 last year, a phenomenon internationally recognized as the “Nigerian miracle.”
Apampa highlighted that the initiative has drawn interest from other African and Asian countries seeking to replicate Nigeria’s reforms.
On his part, Consultant to the CBI-MACN and former Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Moses Fadipe, cautioned that Nigeria’s next major integrity challenge in the maritime industry will emerge from the cargo clearance segment, describing it as a “different ballgame” that requires deeper expertise, stronger collaboration and heightened vigilance from regulators such as CRFFN).
Fadipe noted that while significant progress has been made on the vessel-side reforms, the cargo environment demands far more technical competence and strategic readiness. He explained that government could not tackle both fronts simultaneously when vessel-side reforms began, but the momentum built by MACN members in countries like Sierra Leone has now created an opportunity for Nigeria to make decisive gains—provided that CRFFN strengthens its mastery of essential global policy instruments.
Fadipe praised the newly-signed MoU between CRFFN and CBI-MACN as a step that would support training, content development and enlightenment on the rights and obligations of industry players under these frameworks. He stated that the partnership also commits MACN to assist stakeholders even during “palpitation times,” ensuring no party is left vulnerable when disputes arise.
The Former NSC Director advised CRFFN’s Registrar that effective enforcement on the cargo side will attract immense pressure from vested interests. “Sir, you will need to wear an armored dress,” he cautioned, noting that once reforms begin to bite, individuals in high places will attempt to interfere. According to him, it is only when integrity collapses between practitioners and government agencies that complaints of extortion and victimization emerge.
Fadipe urged the Council to remain steadfast, as successful implementation of the new MoU will inevitably trigger resistance from those threatened by change.
The agreement, effective from the date of signing, will remain valid for one year and may be renewed by mutual consent. CRFFN and CBI-MACN affirmed their shared commitment to improving transparency, operational efficiency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s logistics and port operations, signaling a new era of accountability and integrity in the sector.
