By Joshua Yousouph
The Acting President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarding Agents of Nigeria (AREFFN), Chief Frank Obiekezie has called for greater unity and collaboration among freight forwarding associations, urging stakeholders to reconsider ongoing legal disputes over the leadership of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in the interest of peace and stability in the industry.
The AREFFN Acting President made the call in an exclusive interview with Shipping Position Daily recently, stressing that the proliferation of freight forwarding associations should not translate into rivalry, but should rather provide room for diverse groups to work together in addressing common challenges confronting practitioners.
His position comes against the backdrop of a legal action instituted by some accredited freight forwarding associations challenging the appointment of the current Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Mr Kingsley Igwe.
Recall that four freight forwarding associations: 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, had recounted the sequence of events, which led to the controversial appointment and in his words.
However, the Acting President of AREFFN said freight forwarding associations should not operate like political parties competing for one political office, but should recognise that they have a common interest in the growth and professionalisation of the industry.
Obiekezie said the associations should be able to work together, irrespective of their different affiliations, adding that such collaboration would strengthen their collective voice before government agencies and regulators.
He explained, “We are not political parties that are aiming at the one office in Nigeria. At least in Nigeria, every political party is assumed to be aiming to produce the president, but it’s not the same with associations.”
He argued that the best way to prevent further fragmentation in the freight forwarding sector was for existing associations to embrace inclusive practices, accommodation, openness and the ability to resolve disputes internally.
While he did not specifically disclose details of any engagement concerning the CRFFN court case, his call for internal resolution of disputes and greater cooperation among associations comes as stakeholders continue to grapple with disagreements surrounding the council’s leadership.
The AREFFN president stressed that unity among associations would also enable freight forwarders to present a stronger and more coherent position to the Nigeria Customs Service and the sector’s regulatory authorities.
