The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Kingsley Igwe, has called on freight forwarders across the country to embrace digitalisation and position themselves strategically for the evolving demands of global trade, especially as Nigeria prepares for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the National Single Window (NSW) initiative.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with freight forwarding stakeholders in Lagos on Monday, Igwe stressed that digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for survival and relevance in the current global logistics environment.
The CRFFN Registrar warned that the continued reliance on manual processes could result in many practitioners being excluded from the emerging digital trade framework, especially with the National Single Window set to take off in the first quarter of 2026.
“This is our first stakeholders’ engagement since I assumed office, and I am very much aware of the numerous challenges facing freight forwarders in Nigeria,” Igwe said. “We may not fully understand the depth and gravity of these issues from our offices, which is why we have decided to meet you directly, listen to your concerns, and collectively find sustainable solutions.
“If you continue with manual operations, there is a high possibility that you will be left out of the NSW. The future of freight forwarding is digital, and we must align ourselves accordingly,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the AfCFTA, the CRFFN boss disclosed that over 90 percent of those expected to benefit from the AfCFTA market are freight forwarders. He urged industry players to modernise their operations to harness this opportunity.
Igwe assured participants that CRFFN was already taking bold steps toward full automation of its services and processes, with a target of complete digitalisation by December 2025.
“We are mindful of the rising costs of freight forwarding in Nigeria, the time-lag in cargo clearance, and the increasing cost of doing business,” he stated. “When we automate our services, it will not only ease compliance but reduce turnaround time and enhance professionalism within the sector.”
Commending the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, represented by Mr. Sarumi Adesina, described the theme of the summit — “Digitisation and Standardisation of Freight Logistics Services and Pricing Mechanism” — as timely. He commended the CRFFN for prioritising the engagement of freight forwarders via the conference..
The NSC boss enjoined port users to play their respective roles in enshrining automation and transparent processes at the nation’s port sector.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, affirmed that Nigeria has both the capacity and technology to implement globally recognised logistics solutions. He said the NPCC has developed technology-enabled proposals to support digital reform and offered to partner CRFFN and other stakeholders in delivering a unified and efficient logistics framework.
“We believe that the way forward lies in embracing globally recognized solutions such as the Port Community System, a fully integrated National Single Window, widespread adoption of electronic documentation, and real-time data-sharing between government agencies and private sector players.
“Countries like Singapore, the Netherlands, and the UAE have demonstrated the profound efficiency gains and cost savings that come from harmonized digital ecosystems. Nigeria must not be left behind. We have the local capacity, the technology, and, importantly, the will—gathered in this very room—to make it happen. NPCC stands ready to continuously work with CRFFN and other critical stakeholders—both in government and the private sector to co-create an inclusive, standardized, and digitally enabled logistics framework for our ports and supply chains,” Sunmola assured.
Also speaking, Dr. Alban Igwe, former Director at CRFFN and now CEO of Etcetera Consulting, backed the Registrar’s digitalisation drive, warning that unpredictable freight forwarding operations are comparable to fraudulent practices. He stressed the need for visibility, digital quoting, and online presence to remain competitive in the global logistics market.
Despite the challenges, Igwe reaffirmed CRFFN’s commitment to collaborative reform and urged freight forwarders to support the Council’s drive towards standardisation, automation, and professional excellence.
“This engagement is just the beginning,” Igwe concluded. “Together, we will shape a more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive freight forwarding industry in Nigeria.”
Some of the pressing issues raised during the feedback session included foreign dominance in the industry, overlapping government functions, arbitrary charges, unregulated trucking operations, and lack of clear standards for entry and exit of practitioners.
Several stakeholders, including Hajia Bola Muse (National Treasurer, ANLCA), Prince Olawale Cole (Chairman, Tincan Island ANLCA), Mr. Godfrey Nwosu (Secretary General, NAGAFF), and Alhaji Akeem Aribiojo (Chairman, Tincan Chapter of APFFLON), were present and contributed to the discussion.
