Contrary to claims by some freight forwarding associations that no interview process was conducted for the appointment of Mr Kingsley Igwe as the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), a former governing council member, Chief Increase Uche has reliably told Shipping Position Daily that the process held, and Kingsley Igwe emerged as the best candidate.
This is even as different factions within the industry had expressed varying opinions on the interview process that led to his emergence.
Recall that four prominent freight forwarding associations which include the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Association of Registered Freight Forwarders (AREFFN), and National Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), had jointly instituted a lawsuit against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over his failure to follow due process in the appointment of the registrar.
Speaking on behalf of the associations during a joint press briefing in Lagos, ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji, recounted the sequence of events, which led to the controversial appointment and in his words: “The registrar position was advertised in 2023 and a lot of people applied. Applicants were shortlisted and scheduled for an interview in Abuja, which they attended. However, the interview did not hold. To our surprise, the person appointed as Registrar was not even among those who applied.
Some candidates who applied for the position had earlier told our correspondent that the Council called for an interview in Abuja for the purpose of selecting the best candidate for the job, but failed to do so as the candidates waited three days before flying back to their respective destinations. They lamented that they lost over N500,000 to flight tickets and hotel reservations without a refund.
However, speaking exclusively with Shipping Position Daily last week, a former CRFFN governing council member, Chief Increase Uche asserted that Kingsley Igwe was assessed for the position and emerged as the best candidate, countering claims by some associations that the process was not transparent.
Chief Uche further emphasized that the government, in its discretion, applied the “doctrine of necessity” to resolve the leadership situation at CRFFN, dismissing concerns over procedural lapses.
According to him: “I was reliably told that he was interviewed at the Ministry. I do not doubt if the things are true. The government agency has the right to appoint whoever they deem fit. Interviews can be conducted secretly, and candidates can be assessed individually. It is not mandatory that all applicants be interviewed in a group setting.”
“The government in its wisdom knows what is best for the industry. Whoever is arguing is just thinking about what is written in the books,” Uche added.
On his part, an ANLCA Chieftain, Sir John Oforbike defended the appointee, emphasizing that he is a suitable choice for the position. He acknowledged that some industry members, particularly from ANLCA and other associations, have raised objections on alleged lack of an interview process before the appointment.
While defending the government’s discretion in selecting the right candidate, Oforbike dismissed the notion that every applicant must necessarily undergo an interview. He further advised the newly appointed official to focus on making a name for himself and his family through integrity and dedication.
“The organizers know those who did the interview. The government cannot be fooled. It is not about writing an examination. The register of CRFFN is a round peg in a round hole,” he stated, urging critics to allow the newly appointed official to carry out his duties.
On the other hand, a source speaking anonymously alleged that the appointment was an “imposition” that lacked the approval of key industry players. He alleged that the appointment was made after the last freight forwarders training exercise at CRFFN’s headquarters in Lagos where Mr Igwe came first and the National Secretary of AREFFN, Mr Frank Obiekezie came second in a general assessment.
Despite the credentials supporting his selection, the anonymous source maintained that Igwe’s failure to engage broader industry bodies has fueled discontent.
“At the seminar last year, when the Blue Economy Minister was present, he was seen there. After the exam, he came first, while the national secretary of AREFFN came second. That was the basis of his appointment. It’s only NAGAFF that is in his support, and even with that, not much has been done” the source noted.
Despite the controversies, a Chieftain of AREFFN, Rev Alex Nwokedi expressed confidence in the appointee’s capabilities. He noted that the Registrar’s track record speaks for itself. “Although other associations do not want him, I know the Registrar has always been an efficient person. He brings together all his experience over the years, and I believe he can carry everybody along.” he concluded.
