Freight forwarders support appointment of CRFFN leadership

Freight forwarders have stressed that the appointment of a practising professional to head the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has ended a period of confusion and operational setbacks while restoring the council’s ability to fulfil its responsibilities.

The pioneer Chairman of the CRFFN Governing Board, Iju Tony Nwabunike, expressed his support for the minister’s decision, noting that the absence of permanent leadership at the council had led to internal conflicts, staffing challenges and a lack of direction.

The council, Nwabunike explained, had been in a state of stagnation since the departure of its previous Chief Executive Officer in late 2022, affecting its ability to fulfil its responsibilities.

Nwabunike further commended the Minister for using his powers under Section 5 of the CRFFN Act of 2007 alongside Section 11, to appoint Kingsley Onyekachi as the new Registrar.

He described the appointment as “thoughtful” and a “step in the right direction,” highlighting that it marked the first time a practising freight forwarder had been appointed to lead the council.

Nwabunike stressed that Onyekachi’s qualifications, maturity and practical experience would help restore the council’s efficiency and resolve the issues that had plagued its operations in the past year. He said this appointment brings renewed energy and focus to the council’s operations, adding that the freight forwarding industry is critical to the functioning of the nation’s seaports, airports, and land borders, which are vital economic assets.

Nwabunike also added that the logistics function plays an essential role in ensuring efficiency at these gateways.” Nwabunike also called for unity among the various associations under the CRFFN’s regulation, urging members to adopt a professional approach, avoid divisiveness and promote cooperation. He emphasised that the industry’s success depends on collaborative efforts to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

Meanwhile, the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has distanced itself from the court action filed by four self-accredited freight forwarding associations against the Minister’s appointment.

The National President, APFFLON, Frank Ogunojemite, expressed disappointment in the legal challenge, accusing the opposing associations of acting out of personal interests rather than representing the broader freight forwarding community. He said for years, the industry has clamoured for a professional freight forwarder to lead the council.

Ogunojemite said it is disheartening to see some leaders resist this positive change. He further criticised the opposing associations for failing to comply with CRFFN regulations, including neglecting to pay their annual subscriptions and remit returns to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which, he said, disqualified them from challenging the Minister’s decision.

Ogunojemite reiterated that APFFLON stands firmly behind the Minister’s appointment and will not support any action that seeks to undermine the decision made in the best interest of the profession and the country.