The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has urged the management of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to intensify efforts in fulfilling its core mandates for the improvement of freight forwarding practices in Nigeria. Expressing concerns, the association highlighted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s increasing involvement in matters related to freight forwarding practices, customs, and terminal operator disputes.
During a recent visit by the Acting Registrar/CEO of CRFFN, Dr. Chinyere Uromta, in Lagos, Mr. Adam Chukwuma, Deputy National President of NAGAFF, voiced apprehensions, stating that the Shippers’ Council seemed to be assuming some responsibilities that CRFFN is lagging behind in fulfilling.
Chukwuma emphasized the need for CRFFN to do more to achieve its mandate and advised collaboration with other government agencies in ports to ensure seamless operations.
Mr. Simeon Nwonu, another Deputy National President of NAGAFF, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of protecting professional freight forwarders, urging the Council to maintain high standards in the industry.
Mr. Igwe Kingsley, Executive National Secretary of NAGAFF, questioned the centralization of the training institute for practitioners (NIFF) in Abuja, suggesting that CRFFN should organize free professional training for freight forwarders to bridge the gap between the Council and practitioners.
Dr. Chinyere Uromta, the Acting Registrar of CRFFN, assured the resumption of Declarant Fee payments and acknowledged outstanding balances due to account discrepancies.
She pledged efforts to rectify the discrepancies and affirmed the Council’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders for the fulfillment of its core mandate.
Uromta also addressed concerns about the location of the training institute and emphasized the Council’s commitment to professional development.
She called for NAGAFF’s assistance in registering more members and collaborating on Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) payments.
Despite the challenges, Uromta assured ongoing efforts to complete the National Institute of Freight Forwarders (NIFF) building in Abuja and urged NAGAFF to join hands in elevating the standards of freight forwarding in Nigeria.
She highlighted CRFFN’s commitment to self-funding and the dedication of 50% consolidated revenue remittance to the Federal government.
