NAGAFF seeks ministerial intervention over ‘dormant’ CRFFN

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has strongly criticised the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), citing alleged inefficiencies, a lack of autonomy and failure to adequately represent the interests of freight forwarders nationwide.

At a joint visit by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and CRFFN officers at NAGAFF headquarters in Apapa, industry stakeholders voiced their frustrations over the Council’s inability to fulfil its mandate effectively.

The founder of NAGAFF, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, expressed deep concern over the current state of the regulatory body, arguing that CRFFN has become more of a hindrance than a support system for freight forwarders.

“We are crying out because we are not happy. Freight forwarders in Nigeria are like a flock of sheep without a shepherd. CRFFN cannot stand on its own. Instead of effectively regulating the industry, it has become a dominant yet ineffective force,” Aniebonam declared.

Stakeholders highlighted ongoing challenges within the sector, noting that, despite CRFFN’s existence, Nigerian freight forwarders face significant obstacles, including restricted access to ports.

They noted that foreign nationals, particularly Indians and Chinese, allegedly operate freely and dominate key logistics operations.

“We are not even well recognized at the ports, yet foreign operators are given enormous access to resources,” Aniebonam lamented.

A major concern raised at the meeting was CRFFN’s slow response time, particularly in handling financial transactions related to the practitioner’s operating fee (POF).

Freight forwarders reported being debited for failed transactions dating back several months, with refunds still pending, noting that no action has been taken despite assurances to resolve the issue.

“Tell the Minister that NAGAFF regrets CRFFN’s dominance in the industry. The object clause of CRFFN was to elevate freight forwarding to a professional standard, but today, it has failed in its mission,” Aniebonam stated.

Addressing other challenges facing the industry, the National President of NAGAFF, Tochukwu Ezisi, pointed out infrastructural limitations and regulatory hurdles but expressed optimism that solutions could be found to drive sustainable growth through collaboration and constructive dialogue.

He also pointed out several key areas, including, enhancing port efficiency and reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening the regulatory framework for freight forwarding operations, promoting capacity building and professional development in the industry as well as encouraging greater participation of indigenous freight forwarders in the Blue Economy.

The association called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to take decisive action to ensure CRFFN fulfils its responsibilities, improves regulatory frameworks, and promotes professionalism within the sector.

However, the CRFFN’s Senior Training Officer, Florence Egbuna, criticised freight forwarders for not participating in professional training programmes due to financial levies.

She urged industry professionals to engage in these training initiatives to enhance their skills and build capacity.

In response, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed that the engagement’s purpose was to address and resolve challenges faced by freight forwarding practitioners in line with international best practices.