The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has urged freight agents to adopt consolidation as a strategic response to mounting competition from foreign logistics firms, saying unified operations will strengthen the local industry, improve service delivery and protect national economic and security interests.
In a statement on Monday, NAGAFF Secretary-General Fwdr. Godfrey Emeka Nwosu said fragmentation among local operators has left the sector vulnerable to foreign dominance and called consolidation of smaller companies into larger entities “a national imperative.”
“Consolidation will enhance competitiveness, reduce costs and improve reliability across the supply chain,” the statement said. “It will also make cargo easier to monitor, reducing the risks of smuggling and illicit trade.”
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NAGAFF scribe highlights several advantages consolidation would bring: adding that it lead to cost efficiency from shared cargo space and lower per-unit transport charges .
Nwosu noted that “Stronger market competitiveness for local firms facing foreign entrants; Improved service reliability through streamlined schedules and faster deliveries.
The association said these improvements will benefit shippers through more affordable logistics, help customs authorities with simplified inspection and clearance, ease pressure on port operators by reducing congestion, and contribute to national economic gains through increased revenue and a stronger trade balance.
On Policy recommendations, the NAGAFF scribe urged Parliament to support consolidation with enabling policies, with a clear regulatory framework to guide consolidation and protect local operators.
“Parliament must act decisively to create enabling frameworks that ensure local freight forwarders are not short-changed by foreign dominance but positioned as strong contributors to national trade and security,” Nwosu said.
He pointed out that freight forwarding sector is a critical enabler of trade facilitation in Nigeria.
NAGAFF Chief warned that without collective action and supportive policy measures, continued fragmentation could erode local operators’ market share and weaken supply-chain resilience.
