The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has disassociated itself from a recent court judgment reportedly obtained by Mr. Lucky Amiwero aimed at halting the ongoing collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
In a press statement issued jointly signed by the Council’s Acting President, Chief Ifeanyi Anakweze and Secretary General, Chief Festus Ukwu stated that Mr. Amiwero lacks the authority to represent the association in any capacity, having been suspended and removed as its president long ago.
The Council reaffirmed its full support for the peaceful collection of POF by CRFFN, describing it as a legitimate directive from the Federal Government, backed by the CRFFN Act No. 16 of 2007 and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery agenda.
According to the association, freight forwarders and customs clearing agents across the country have continued to pay the POF without resistance, as the initiative is already yielding benefits in terms of industry training and capacity development facilitated by CRFFN.
“Our attention has been drawn to a court judgment secured by Mr. Lucky Amiwero against the collection of POF by CRFFN. We wish to categorically state that Mr. Amiwero is no longer a member or leader of the NCMDLCA and therefore cannot act or obtain any legal ruling on behalf of the association,” the statement read.
“The CRFFN is a federal government agency empowered to regulate and control the activities of freight forwarders and licensed customs agents in Nigeria. As such, all registered and accredited associations under its purview, including NCMDLCA, are complying fully with the POF collection policy.
“The proceeds from POF collection are being channeled into capacity-building programmes, professional education, and training sessions for freight forwarders. These are critical for the growth and development of the industry,” the statement added.
The NCMDLCA also urged all stakeholders to disregard the purported judgment associated with Mr. Amiwero, reiterating that the association remains committed to supporting policies that promote order and professionalism within the freight forwarding sector.
“We will not join Mr. Amiwero or anyone else in defying a directive of the Federal Government. The collection of POF is lawful, peaceful, and widely supported by stakeholders in the industry,” the statement concluded.
