As part of efforts to address the multiple operational challenges in the freight forwarding industry and optimize efficiency in Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) have resolved to collaborate and form a formidable synergy for greater mutual impact in the sector.
This was discussed on Monday in Lagos when the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, in company of his management team, paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of NPCC led by Mr. Bolaji Sunmola.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NPCC, Sunmola, reiterated that NPCC is a firm believer in partnerships and collaborations that will enhance port operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria, noting that the evolving dynamics of global trade has called for enhanced cooperation, while being confident that by working together, both parties can unlock new opportunities that will benefit all stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector.
According to him, as the foremost advisory, arbitration, advocacy and consulting body on port matters, “we welcome and look forward to further synergies with CRFFN to address operational challenges, streamline freight forwarding processes, and optimize the efficiency of our ports.”
Recognizing CRFFN as an institution that continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, the NPCC Chairman added, “Your mission, vision, goals, and objectives have significantly contributed to the transformation of the sector, ensuring that it aligns with international best practices.
“As you continuously strive for standardization, facilitating professional development, and fostering an environment of compliance, CRFFN has reinforced the critical role of freight forwarders in the Nigerian maritime and logistics ecosystem.
“We particularly commend CRFFN’s relentless efforts in standardizing the freight forwarding profession, enhancing capacity building, and promoting the adoption of modern trade facilitation measures. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the increased efficiency, professionalism, and global competitiveness of Nigerian freight forwarders. Your commitment to maintaining ethical practices and ensuring that only trained and certified professionals operate within the industry is highly commendable.” He added.
While commending the federal government for relisting CRFFN for budgetary allocation in the 2025 fiscal year, Sunmola congratulated CRFFN on securing a budgetary allocation of ₦1.75 billion in the 2025 national budget, as recently reported, saying that the allocation is not only a recognition of the vital role CRFFN plays but also a strategic step toward strengthening the regulatory framework, capacity building, and infrastructural development of the freight forwarding industry.
“Despite the challenges that may arise, this financial support will undoubtedly empower CRFFN to achieve greater milestones in its mandate”, he further noted.
In his speech, the Registrar of CRFFN who emphasized the strategic role of the CRFFN in the emerging new port order, saying the Council is at the centre of the supply chain ecosystem, stated that collaboration in the industry has become exigent to optimize opportunities inherent in the global and regional trade facilitation initiatives for the development of Nigerian ports.
Mr. Igwe also noted that inter-agency and inter-council collaborations would help minimize conflicts in the sector, while ensuring real-time intervention on issues as they come up in the industry.
He sought collaborations with the NPCC in the area of capacity building for the freight forwarding sector, while emphasizing the need to present a common front on the National Single Window project and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to maximize the potentials.
Among the NPCC leadership team present were the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Barr. Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN; Mrs. Ify Akerele; Mrs. Rollens Macfoy; Mr. Kingsley Anaroke; Mr. Basil Opara; and Barr. Mrs. Gloria Kanabe.
