By Joshua Yousouph
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to mediate in the lingering crises rocking the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
Speaking during the inauguration which was held in Lagos on Thursday, the Chairman of CRFFN Governing Council, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni said that the committee is expected to investigate the underlying causes of the conflicts in the association and give recommendations back to the Council before September 7th, 2022.
Tsanni stressed that ANLCA, being a foremost freight forwarding association in Nigeria with more than 3,000 members and massive revenue generated for the Federal Government, is expected to be good examples by providing leadership worthy of emulation for other freight forwarding associations.
He informed that the committee’ task will be in two phases, adding that the first phase is to determine the factors leading to the crises should be completed within three days, while the final mediation and recommendation should be completed in six days.
He added that resolutions from the committee will be deliberated upon at the next CRFFN governing council meeting scheduled to hold on September 8th, 2022.
The CRFFN governing council Chairman stated that, “it is unfortunate that this ANLCA crisis has been ongoing for over four years and all efforts to resolve it have been futile. CRFFN, as the regulator of all freight forwarding associations, has decided to step up to resolve these issues. We will do our best to address the problems in such a manner that the two factions will be satisfied with the resolutions of the Council.”
“Yesterday, I discussed with the Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Mu’azu Sambo on this ANLCA crisis and he supported this initiative to have a Conflict Resolution Committee. The Minister also said that we should keep him abreast with the developments and resolutions by the Committee,” the CRFFN Chairman said.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the Council who was represented by the Deputy Director Human Resource Department, Mr Asuquo Effik noted that energy expended on the crises would be more productive if diverted into the development of the Maritime sector. While appreciating the efforts of the Council to resolve the crises, he appealed that warring factions should listen to the committee and embrace peace.
On his part, the newly-inaugurated Chairman of the ANLCA Crisis Resolution Committee, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, while thanking the CRFFN Governing Council for the responsibility, noted that the Committee’s task is clear and promised to ensure the committee meets its mandate.
“We will discuss with both factions. We have veteran freight forwarders and distinguished personalities on this Committee. We will do a thorough job and hopefully resolve these conflicts,” Yusuf said.
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On his part, the Chairman, Media and Publicity committee of the CRFFN Governing Council, Hon. Muftahu Ya’u stressed that all future disputes among freight forwarders should utilize the dispute resolution mechanisms enshrined in the CRFFN Act.
Muftahu posited that the case of ANLCA started before the mechanisms were properly instituted. He said he is hopeful that with these mechanisms, all warring factions will find solutions within the stipulated period”.
Members of the Conflict Resolution Committee include: Alhaji Abba Yusuf, as Chairman. Hon Donatus Odomena as Vice Chairman, Otunba Moshood Tijani, Mrs Patricia Omoh, and Mr Asuquo Efik. Some legal representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council are also expected to join the committee.
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