The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) have resolved to collaborate in addressing operational challenges in the freight forwarding industry and enhancing efficiency at Nigerian ports.
The decision was reached on Monday in Lagos when the Registrar of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, led his management team on a courtesy visit to the NPCC leadership, headed by Mr. Bolaji Sunmola.
In his welcome address, Sunmola reaffirmed NPCC’s commitment to partnerships that improve port operations and trade facilitation. He noted that the evolving nature of global trade requires stronger collaboration and expressed confidence that working together with CRFFN would create new opportunities for stakeholders in the maritime sector.
“As the foremost advisory, arbitration, advocacy, and consulting body on port matters, we welcome further synergies with CRFFN to address operational challenges, streamline freight forwarding processes, and optimize port efficiency,” Sunmola stated.
Recognizing CRFFN’s role in shaping Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry, Sunmola commended the council’s efforts in standardization, capacity building, and the promotion of ethical practices. He lauded CRFFN’s contributions to enhancing professionalism and global competitiveness in the sector, ensuring that only trained and certified freight forwarders operate within the industry.
He also congratulated CRFFN on securing a ₦1.75 billion allocation in the 2025 national budget, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and infrastructure development in the freight forwarding sector.
In his remarks, CRFFN Registrar, Mr. Igwe, emphasized the council’s strategic role in the evolving port ecosystem, stressing that collaboration is essential to harnessing opportunities in global and regional trade facilitation initiatives. He highlighted the importance of inter-agency and inter-council cooperation in minimizing conflicts and enabling swift responses to industry challenges.
Igwe further sought NPCC’s partnership in capacity building for freight forwarders and called for a united approach to key trade initiatives such as the National Single Window project and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to maximize Nigeria’s economic potential.
The meeting was attended by key NPCC leaders, including Vice-Chairman Barr. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN; Mrs. Ify Akerele; Mrs. Rollens Macfoy; Kingsley Anaroke; and Barr. Gloria Kanabe.
The collaboration between CRFFN and NPCC is expected to drive efficiency in the maritime sector and foster a more seamless and competitive trade environment in Nigeria.
