The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has taken a major step toward repositioning Nigeria’s logistics and freight forwarding industry for global competitiveness with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, is aimed at strengthening capacity building, deepening regulatory reforms, promoting global best practices and accelerating the transformation of the nation’s freight logistics ecosystem.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe said the partnership marked the culmination of engagements that began on September 24, 2025, when a CRFFN delegation visited the headquarters of Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited. According to him, the discussions with the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Opah, laid the foundation for a shared vision to transform and reposition Nigeria’s freight logistics industry.
He described the MoU as more than a ceremonial document, stressing that it is a strategic, forward-looking partnership firmly aligned with CRFFN’s statutory mandate under Act 16 of 2007 to regulate, control and professionalise freight forwarding practice in Nigeria.
The CRFFN boss explained that the Council is currently undergoing a comprehensive revival and institutional transformation process in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and under the supervision of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. He said the reform drive is repositioning the Council as a credible and transparent regulator, a promoter of global best practices, a strategic partner in national trade facilitation, and a driver of professionalism and compliance within the logistics ecosystem.
“Our goal is clear: to build a freight forwarding and logistics industry that is competitive, technology-driven, ethically grounded, and globally respected,” he said, adding that regulation alone cannot achieve this transformation without strong strategic partnerships.
Igwe noted that Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited has distinguished itself in multimodal logistics operations, customs brokerage, supply chain solutions and international trade services, with a network spanning six continents. He said engagements between both organisations revealed strong alignment in key areas such as capacity building, regulatory enhancement, adoption of global standards, technology-driven logistics solutions and advocacy for pro-trade policies.
Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on training and mentorship programmes for freight forwarders, knowledge sharing through seminars and conferences, policy advocacy and regulatory research, industry innovation, and institutional strengthening.
In a major policy announcement, the CRFFN Registrar also unveiled plans to inaugurate a Logistics CEOs’ Forum as part of the Council’s broader reform architecture. The forum, he said, will serve as a technical advisory unit to the Office of the Registrar, a think tank on logistics policy and strategy, and a structured platform for engagement between the regulator and industry leaders.
The forum will comprise selected leaders from reputable logistics and freight forwarding organisations with deep operational experience and international exposure. Its mandate will include providing technical input on proposed regulations, advising on global best practices in licensing and compliance, supporting research and data-driven policy formulation, identifying barriers to trade, and contributing to the development of a long-term National Logistics Strategy.
Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited has been invited to spearhead the initiative, which is expected to be formally inaugurated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The CRFFN boss also emphasised the need for a “trade-first” policy perspective, stressing that every regulation, levy and compliance framework must be assessed based on whether it promotes or hinders trade competitiveness. He said Nigeria must position itself as a logistics hub in West and Central Africa by encouraging responsible private sector participation, promoting transparency, strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms, improving access to affordable capital for indigenous logistics firms, and supporting digitalisation and data-driven decision-making.
He clarified that the MoU represents a framework for cooperation, noting that specific binding commitments would be defined through subsequent agreements, with emphasis placed on implementation, measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
Describing the logistics sector as the backbone of trade and a key driver of GDP growth, he said strengthening logistics would boost manufacturing, agriculture, exports, job creation and national revenue generation.
He commended Dr. Eric Opah and the management of Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited for their willingness to collaborate in good faith, and also praised CRFFN management and stakeholders for their roles in bringing the partnership to fruition.
“Today, we move from dialogue to action. From ideas to implementation. And toward a more professional, innovative and globally competitive Nigerian logistics industry,” he said.
