Joyce Mmereole Okoli
A storm is brewing in Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry as the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised alarm over what it describes as a coordinated attempt to sabotage critical reforms in the marine and blue economy sectors.
In a hard-hitting statement, NAGAFF President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, accused ANLCA, AREFF, NAFFAC and NCMDLCA of hiding under the cloak of activism to undermine government efforts, urging immediate federal investigation into “economic and regulatory sabotage.”
“These groups have failed in their statutory financial obligations to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). Their actions suggest a broader agenda to derail national progress,” Ezisi stated.
NAGAFF did not hold back, calling on the CRFFN to deregister four unnamed associations and urging the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to revoke their corporate licenses “in the national interest.”
The association also took aim at two major bodies the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) urging them to align with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, or risk regulatory backlash.
Amid the turbulence, NAGAFF gave a resounding endorsement to CRFFN Registrar/CEO, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, hailing his leadership and reform drive less than a year into his tenure.
Key achievements highlighted by the association include:
Expanding CRFFN’s funding sources beyond the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) for long-term financial stability.
Launching an ambitious training programme for 1,000 freight forwarders in 2025 with 300 already certified.
Championing digital reforms and fostering stronger collaboration across the freight forwarding ecosystem.
“We hereby pass a vote of absolute confidence in Mr. Igwe, under the supervision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,” Ezisi declared.
NAGAFF pledged continued commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, emphasizing its vision for a freight forwarding industry built on integrity, professionalism, and national service.
