CRFFN will prioritize standards in freight industry in 2025 – Registrar

The Registrar/CEO of Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe Onyekachi, says, in 2025, his administration will initiate and enforce robust policies that will elevate professional standards in the freight industry.

“We will roll out comprehensive training programmes for CRFFN staff to enhance their regulatory capabilities; organise 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,” said Onyekachi.

The CRFFN Registrar, who was appointed in 2024 by the Federal Government, stated this in his new year message to freight forwarders, staff and all port stakeholders in Lagos.

Onyekachi disclosed that the he is  determined to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Council, thanking the Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for his compassionate intervention and approval of a fresh bailout fund for payment of the remaining salary arrears of the staff from August to December 2024.

The Registrar said “As we embark on a journey defined by renewed determination and a clear vision this year, our roadmap centres around a singular yet impactful agenda: Boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of CRFFN under four strategic pillars: Strengthening professional standards through innovation and solution driven policies, Enhancing capacity building and regulatory efficiency,  Driving collaboration with sister agencies, and Improving welfare and working conditions of staff nationwide.

“These four strategic pillars will drive sustainable growth and development for CRFFN and the Nigerian freight logistics industry, thus: strengthening professional standards through solution driven policies.

“Our first step is to establish and enforce robust policies that will elevate professional standards within the freight logistics industry. By fostering a culture of compliance and excellence, we aim to position CRFFN as a leading regulatory authority,” he said.

He noted that these policies will promote integrity, transparency, and efficiency, creating a thriving ecosystem for all stakeholders; enhancing capacity building and regulatory efficiency.

According to him, “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 (GCFR) and in line with the roadmap of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola (CON).

“Going forward, salaries will be paid promptly, and I expect, in return, a renewed dedication to duty and productivity from all staff,” he said.

The Registrar assured that in 2025, there will be enhancement of workplace conditions across all CRFFN offices nationwide; there will implementation of initiatives that prioritise the professional growth of  staff. “We will empower our workforce to perform at their best.”

Onyekachi stated 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.

He asserted that 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.

However, there is a significant gap in the capacity building for freight forwarders in core professional areas of practice.

This gap, he said 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. This is as he disclosed that the industry has not fully leveraged opportunities for continuous professional development, standardized practices, and innovative solutions that could enhance efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness.

According to him, addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort to prioritise education, mentorship, and resource allocation to unlock the full potential of freight forwarders and their critical role in national logistics service administration.