…Says Council’s roadmap centres around singular yet impactful agenda
…Prioritizes prompt payment of salaries, capacity building, regulatory efficiency
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe has called on the staff of the Council, freight forwarders and indeed, all industry stakeholders to close ranks and embrace his vision with dedication and enthusiasm in order for them to collectively build a more efficient, professional and prosperous freight logistics industry in Nigeria.
Igwe who made this call in his new year message earlier today, revealed that his vision was to position CRFFN as a leading regulatory body that fosters innovation, integrity, and excellence in freight forwarding, and ultimately enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
He also disclosed that his mission was to effectively regulate the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, ensuring compliance, promoting professional development, and generating sustainable revenue streams for the Council.
The Registrar informed that the Council’s roadmap centred around a singular yet impactful agenda – boosting the Internally Generated Revenue,IGR of CRFFN under four strategic pillars namely: strengthening professional standards through innovation and solution driven policies; enhancing capacity building and regulatory efficiency; driving collaboration with sister agencies as well as improving welfare and working conditions of staff nationwide.
These four strategic pillars, he said, would drive sustainable growth and development for CRFFN and the Nigerian freight logistics industry. According to him, “Our first step is to establish and enforce robust policies that will elevate professional standards within the freight logistics industry. By fostering a culture of compliance and excellence, we aim to position CRFFN as a leading regulatory authority. These policies will promote integrity, transparency, and efficiency, creating a thriving ecosystem for all stakeholders.
“Professional training will be at the forefront of our agenda this year. We will roll out comprehensive training programs for CRFFN staff to enhance their regulatory capabilities and organize workshops, certifications, and seminars tailored to the needs of freight forwarders, ensuring they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to navigate an evolving global logistics landscape.
“This investment in human capital is pivotal to achieving our long-term goals in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and in line with the roadmap of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
“Collaboration is the backbone of progress. This year, we will strengthen our partnerships with sister agencies, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders. Through these collaborations, we will streamline operations and eliminate redundancies in regulatory processes and create joint initiatives that drive innovation, sustainability, and revenue growth. Together, we can build a resilient freight logistics industry that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
“I sincerely acknowledge and empathise with the entire workforce of CRFFN who, until recently, endured the hardship of prolonged non-payment of salaries. You may recall that it was through the timely and compassionate intervention of the Honourable Minister who approved a bailout fund for payment of the initial 5 moths salary arrears from March to July 2024.
“As we speak, the Honourable Minister has approved another bailout fund for payment of another 5 months’ salary arrears from August to December 2024, and the entire team is working hard behind the scene to perfect all arrangement for disbursement as soon as possible. With this, you can be rest assured that the welfare of our workforce under my administration is paramount to the Honourable Minister.
“Going forward, salaries will be paid promptly, and I expect, in return, a renewed dedication to duty and productivity from all staff.
“Additionally, in 2025, we will enhance workplace conditions across all CRFFN offices nationwide and implement initiatives that prioritize the professional growth of our staff. By fostering a supportive and motivating environment, we will empower our workforce to perform at their best.”
On challenges and opportunities ahead of the Council, the Registrar maintained that the freight logistics industry in Nigeria faced a complex array of challenges which could be summarised into poor representation, share identity denial and lack of genuine acceptance at all levels, while arguing that it also presented remarkable opportunities.
Continuing, he insisted that Nigeria’s strategic position within Africa, its critical ports, and the brighter prospects of the blue economy provided an exceptional platform to advance the industry and amplify its contribution to the national economy.
Noting that there was a significant gap in the capacity building for freight forwarders in core professional areas of practice, Mr. Igwe posited that this gap reflected a lack of investment in training, knowledge development, and skill enhancement that could enable those professionals to adapt to evolving industry demands, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.
“The industry has not fully leveraged opportunities for continuous professional development, standardized practices, and innovative solutions that could enhance efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort to prioritize education, mentorship, and resource allocation to unlock the full potential of freight forwarders and their critical role in national logistics service administration.
“The aforementioned would not be achieved if there is still division amongst us. We all know how the freight logistics sector has suffered so much in Nigeria and CRFFN being the statutory unifying body has suffered the most since inception. By now, CRFFN should have grown like her sister agencies as NPA, NIMASA and Nigeria Shippers Council.
“Now that we, the practitioners have taken over, the opportunity has come. The peace of doing business and the benefits of our hard works is now in our hands. We must all be united at all front to achieve the desired results as the world is watching us.
“As we set forth on this journey, I urge each one of you; CRFFN staff, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders to embrace my vision with dedication and enthusiasm. Together, we can build a more efficient, professional, and prosperous freight logistics industry in Nigeria.
Let us make 2025 a year of transformation and achievement. May our efforts not only boost the Council’s IGR but also solidify our reputation as a regulatory body committed to excellence”, he stated.
He, however, appreciated the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, CON, and his esteemed team for deeming him worthy of this pivotal role adding that “This appointment is not just an honour; it is a call to serve at a time when leadership, expertise, and professionalism are critically crucial to the future of CRFFN. I do not take this responsibility lightly.”
Photo: Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN.
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