CRFFN : NAGAFF Issues Strong Response To Freight Forwarding Regulatory Disputes

By Roland Ekama 

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has publicly addressed ongoing controversies surrounding the regulation of freight forwarding and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

Speaking at a press conference, NAGAFF President Chief Tochukwu Ezisi expressed concern over recent actions by four accredited associations which includes—ANLCA, AREFF, NAFFAC, and NCMDLCA—who have supported a court ruling that challenges CRFFN’s authority to regulate customs agents and collect the Practitioner Operating Fee (POF).

Recall that the council has appealed the decision and obtained a stay of execution, rendering the court ruling currently unenforceable.

Meanwhile the NAGAFF boss accused these associations of opportunism, noting that the court victor, Mr. Lucky Amiwero of NCMDLCA, has himself condemned their exploitation of the court judgment. The association President highlighted ANLCA’s prolonged resistance to CRFFN’s establishment, including attempts to introduce counter-legislation in the National Assembly and court challenges following past CRFFN elections.

According to him, the dispute intensified with the appointment of Mr. Kingsley Igwe as CRFFN Registrar, a move that triggered litigation described by NAGAFF as politically motivated rather than based on legal grounds.

NAGAFF called on dissenting groups to “exit the stage” if they no longer support the council’s mandate, warning of an alleged broader agenda to disrupt government reforms in the marine and blue economy sectors.

Esizi urged government authorities to investigate what it termed economic and regulatory sabotage performed under the guise of activism. NAGAFF also criticized the financial non-compliance of the four associations and recommended CRFFN consider their deregistration and withdrawal of their Corporate Affairs Commission certificates in the national interest.

Despite the controversy, the NAGAFF boss praised the Registrar of CRFFN , Kingsley Igwe’s leadership, highlighting key achievements within his first year in office.

He said ” These include diversifying CRFFN’s funding sources, launching a major training program for 1,000 freight forwarders this year (with 300 already trained), and advancing digital modernization efforts to strengthen the council’s regulatory capacity.”

Furthermore, the President of NAGAFF reaffirmed its support for CRFFN’s leadership and government oversight under the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Apparently determined to support the growth of CRFFN, the association pledged its commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, emphasizing professionalism, transparency, and national service within the freight forwarding industry.

.