The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has vowed to deepen collaboration with other sister agencies in the maritime ecosystem in 2025 to drive progress.
This is even as the council disclosed that it has secured an additional five months bailout funds for the payment of staff arrears salaries.
The Chief Executive Officer/Registrar CRFFN, Comrade Kingsley Igwe disclosed this in his New Year message to the staff of the agency and stakeholders in freight logistics industry in Nigeria
The statement reads, “Collaboration is the backbone of progress. This year, we will strengthen our partnerships with sister agencies, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders.
“Through these collaborations, we will streamline operations and eliminate redundancies in regulatory processes, create joint initiatives that drive innovation, sustainability, and revenue growth.
“Together, we can build a resilient freight logistics industry that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy”.
Touching on the salary arrears bailout, Igwe stated that the 5 months’ salary arrears from August to December 2024 adding that the entire team is working hard behind the scene to perfect all arrangement for disbursement as soon as possible.
“The federal government has approved additional five months bailout funds for the payment of staff under CRFFN.
The Registrar added “As we speak, the Honourable Minister has approved another bailout fund for payment of another 5 months’ salary arrears from August to December 2024, and the entire team is working hard behind the scene to perfect all arrangement for disbursement as soon as possible.
“With this, you can rest assured that the welfare of our workforce under my administration is paramount to the honourable minister.
“Going forward, salaries will be paid promptly, and I expect, in return, a renewed dedication to duty and productivity from all staff.
Speaking on the Council’s challenges and opportunities ahead , the Registrar explained that:
”The freight logistics industry in Nigeria faces a complex array of challenges which can be summarised into poor representation, share identity denial and lack of genuine acceptance at all levels, yet it also presents remarkable opportunities.
“Nigeria’s strategic position within Africa, its critical ports, and the brighter prospects of the blue economy provide an exceptional platform to advance the industry and amplify its contribution to the national economy.
“Additionally, there is a significant gap in the capacity building for freight forwarders in core professional areas of practice. This gap reflects a lack of investment in training, knowledge development, and skill enhancement that could enable these professionals to adapt to evolving industry demands, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.
“The industry has not fully leveraged opportunities for continuous professional development, standardized practices, and innovative solutions that could enhance efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness.
Towards addressing the challenges, Igwe required a concerted effort to prioritize education, mentorship, and resource allocation to unlock the full potential of freight forwarders and their critical role in national logistics service administration.
Igwe also disclosed that the council is working towards enhancing capacity building and regulatory efficiency.
“Professional training will be at the forefront of our agenda this year. We will roll out comprehensive training programs for CRFFN staff to enhance their regulatory capabilities.
“We will also organize workshops, certifications, and seminars tailored to the needs of freight forwarders, ensuring they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to navigate an evolving global logistics landscape.
“This investment in human capital is pivotal to achieving our long-term goals in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in line with the roadmap of Oyetola” he added.
