The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, has declared a crackdown on unqualified freight forwarders, emphasizing that professional training will now be taken directly to the ports to ensure competency in the industry.
Speaking during a working visit to the headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos on Tuesday, Igwe stressed that the days of quack freight forwarders infiltrating the industry were over. He noted that CRFFN would intensify its efforts to sanitize the sector by enforcing proper training and certification for all practitioners.
Igwe revealed that the council would collaborate with key stakeholders, including port terminal operators, customs, and logistics firms, to create structured training programs at major ports. The initiative, he explained, aims to bridge the knowledge gap and raise the standard of freight forwarding in the country. “We won’t just offer generic courses like economics or engineering; rather, training will focus on customs regulations, international conventions, and freight forwarding fundamentals,” he explained.
Beyond training, Igwe addressed operational challenges, including delays in the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) due to technical issues. He assured stakeholders that corrective measures were being implemented with consultants to streamline payments and avoid network failures and multiple debits.
He also touched on licensing, stating that CRFFN should play a pivotal role in the customs declaration process to prevent errors that often lead to financial penalties. He argued that compliance issues stem from a lack of proper oversight at the entry level, which CRFFN aims to rectify through enhanced regulatory frameworks and the integration of the National Single Window system.
Furthermore, Igwe highlighted the need to distinguish between freight forwarding and customs brokerage, asserting that freight forwarders must be properly certified to prevent unauthorized individuals from infiltrating the industry. He called for industry-wide collaboration to push for reforms that will enhance professionalism and reduce arbitrary charges.
Also Speaking, the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam expressed concerns over the state of the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, particularly the role and impact of CRFFN. He criticized the CRFFN for its lack of significant progress despite being in existence for 18 years.
Dr Aniebonam lamented that since its establishment, the CRFFN has been characterized by inefficiency, describing its progress as mere “motion” without tangible achievements. He attributed the council’s struggles to initial foundational mistakes, including the compilation of its register based on licensing rather than recognizing freight forwarding as a profession for individuals.
He further highlighted the challenges within the freight forwarding sector, stating that regulatory gaps and lack of adherence to best practices have contributed to widespread smuggling and malpractice. “Smuggling is not just about crossing borders illegally; it involves acts of false declaration, concealment, and tax evasion, all of which undermine government revenue,” he explained.
Reiterating NAGAFF’s role as a watchdog in the industry, Aniebonam emphasized that the association remains committed to upholding professionalism and rule of law in freight forwarding. He described NAGAFF as a “gadfly,” preventing criminal elements from infiltrating the system. He stressed that patriotism and adherence to regulations are crucial to resolving the industry’s ongoing challenges.
Aniebonam also addressed the need for proper education and training in freight forwarding. He referenced the establishment of the NAGAFF Academy, urging industry players to acquire knowledge in logistics, port administration, and customs procedures to enhance professionalism. “Education has nothing to do with age. Continuous learning equips individuals with the knowledge necessary to navigate the industry effectively,” he stated.
On his part, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochuku Ezisi while in his welcome address commended Kingsley Igwe for his dedication to improving standards in freight forwarding describing his visit as a testament to the strong partnership between NAGAFF and CRFFN which is crucial for the growth of the pre-forwarding sub-sector of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.FN,
Addressing the concerns of his members, Ezisi called on CRFFN to take proactive steps in resolving lingering issues affecting freight forwarders, particularly the payment of traditional operating fees. He urged the regulatory body to intensify its efforts in enforcing industry regulations to curb the activities of unlicensed and unregistered freight forwarders, which he described as a major threat to professionalism in the sector. He also stressed the importance of increased engagement between CRFFN and industry stakeholders to ensure that the interests of freight forwarders are adequately represented.
In his remarks, Ezisi stressed the need for capacity building and continuous training, urging CRFFN to implement regular training programs to equip freight forwarders with the necessary skills and knowledge required to meet global industry standards. He further demanded that NAGAFF be recognized as a key stakeholder in the freight forwarding sector and be actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the industry.
