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The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has distanced itself from a court ruling allegedly obtained by Mr. Lucky Amiwero seeking to halt the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
In a press release jointly signed by the Council’s Acting President, Chief Ifeanyi Anakweze, and its Secretary General, Chief Festus Ukwu, the association emphasized that Mr. Amiwero no longer holds any position within the NCMDLCA and therefore lacks the authority to represent or act on its behalf in any legal capacity.
The Council reiterated its unwavering support for the continued and peaceful collection of POF by CRFFN, stating that the initiative is a Federal Government directive anchored on the CRFFN Act No. 16 of 2007 and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform policies.
“Our attention has been drawn to a recent court judgment secured by Mr. Lucky Amiwero aimed at disrupting the ongoing collection of POF. We categorically state that Mr. Amiwero has been suspended and removed as president of the NCMDLCA, and as such, has no mandate to speak or act on behalf of the Council,” the statement read.
The NCMDLCA described CRFFN as a duly established government agency empowered to regulate and oversee the activities of freight forwarders and licensed customs agents in Nigeria. It affirmed that all four accredited freight forwarding associations under CRFFN—including NCMDLCA—are complying fully with the POF policy.
The Council also noted that the POF initiative is widely accepted among clearing agents and freight forwarders, who have continued to make payments without resistance. It highlighted the benefits of the initiative, particularly in the areas of training, capacity building, and professional development facilitated by CRFFN.
“The funds generated from POF collections are being reinvested into industry-wide training and educational programs that are crucial for raising standards and promoting professionalism within the freight forwarding sector,” the Council noted.
The NCMDLCA urged industry stakeholders and the general public to disregard any claims or legal actions initiated by Mr. Amiwero, reiterating that the Council will continue to align itself with lawful directives from the Federal Government.
“We will not be part of any move to undermine the authority of the government. The collection of POF by CRFFN is legal, orderly, and beneficial to the entire industry. We remain fully committed to its success,” the statement concluded.
