As industry complaints mount over the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF), the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has revealed plans to end its existing contract with technology consultant SW Global and initiate a comprehensive overhaul of the POF collection process.
Freight forwarders have long criticised the current payment system for being riddled with technical glitches, multiple debits and delayed remittance of entitlements.
The persistent challenges have raised concerns over the system’s transparency and efficiency. Speaking on the development, CRFFN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Kingsley Igwe, acknowledged that the expiration of the SW Global contract is imminent, adding that the Council is already engaging stakeholders to reform the collection process.
The CRFFN Registrar noted that despite these challenges, freight forwarders are still complying with the payment of the POF at the port terminals. He, however, acknowledged the challenges and assured that efforts are underway to create a more seamless, transparent, and user-friendly payment system once the current contract ends.
“People are complying with the payment of POF at the ports. However, the contract with the consultants, SW Global, will come to an end soon. We are working towards making the POF collection system more efficient and hitch-free, he said.”
Igwe cited a recent visit to the Five Star Logistics Terminal, where discussions were held on boosting operational efficiency and supporting freight forwarders more effectively.
As part of its strategic reform agenda, the Council plans to roll out a 1,000-man training programme for freight forwarders operating at airports. The initiative, according to Igwe, is aimed at building professionalism and aligning local practices with global standards. He emphasised CRFFN’s commitment to digitalisation and capacity development as central to modernising the freight forwarding industry.
On the long-awaited reconstitution of the CRFFN Governing Council, Igwe declined to provide specifics but assured that the supervisory Ministry is working to ensure the process is consistent with the CRFFN Act.
