NEW YEAR ADDRESS OF THE REGISTRAR/CEO OF CRFFN TO STAFF AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS
MR. IGWE KINGSLEY ONYEKACHI (MILT), REGISTRAR/CEO, CRFFN
Esteemed staff of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), distinguished members of the
freight logistics industry, and dear colleagues.
Happy New Year to you all!
As we step into 2025, I extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous year filled with success, collaboration, and growth.
It is an honour to address you today with a profound sense of gratitude, deep humility, and a clear commitment to service
as your substantive Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria
(CRFFN).
Firstly, I deeply appreciate the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega
Isiaka Oyetola (CON), and his esteemed team for deeming me worthy of this pivotal role. This appointment is not just an
honour; it is a call to serve at a time when leadership, expertise, and professionalism are critically crucial to the future of
CRFFN. I do not take this responsibility for granted.
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.
1. Strengthening professional standards through innovation and solution driven policies
2. Enhancing capacity building and regulatory efficiency
3. Driving collaboration with sister agencies
4. 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:
1. 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.
These policies will promote integrity, transparency, and efficiency, creating a thriving ecosystem for all stakeholders.
2. 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.
• 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 (GCFR) and in line with the roadmap of the Honourable Minister of
Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola (CON).
3. Driving Collaboration with Sister Agencies.
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.
4. Improving Welfare and Working Conditions of all CRFFN Staff Nationwide.
I sincerely acknowledge and empathise with the entire workforce of CRFFN who, until recently, endured the hardship of
prolonged non-payment of salaries. You may recall that it was through the timely and compassionate intervention of the
Honourable Minister who approved a bailout fund for payment of the initial 5 months salary arrears from March to July
2024.
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 be 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.
Additionally, in 2025, we will:
• Enhance workplace conditions across all CRFFN offices nationwide.
• Implement initiatives that prioritize the professional growth of our staff.
By fostering a supportive and motivating environment, we will empower our workforce to perform at their best.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD:
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. Addressing this challenge requires 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.
The aforementioned would not be achieved if there is still division amongst us. We all know how the freight logistics
sector has suffered so much in Nigeria, and CRFFN being the statutory unifying body, has suffered the most since
inception. By now, CRFFN should have grown like her sister agencies as NPA, NIMASA and Nigeria Shippers Council.
Now
that we, the practitioners have taken over, the opportunity has come. The peace of doing business and the benefits of
our hard works is now in our hands. We must all be united at all front to achieve the desired results as the world is
watching us.
VISION:
My vision is to position CRFFN as a leading regulatory body that fosters innovation, integrity, and excellence in freight
forwarding, and ultimately enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
MISSION:
My mission is to effectively regulate the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, ensuring compliance, promoting
professional development, and generating sustainable revenue streams for the council.
CALL TO ACTION:
As we set forth on this journey, I urge each one of you; CRFFN staff, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders to
embrace my vision with dedication and enthusiasm. Together, we can build a more efficient, professional, and
prosperous freight logistics industry in Nigeria.
Let us make 2025 a year of transformation and achievement. May our efforts not only boost the Council’s IGR but also
solidify our reputation as a regulatory body committed to excellence.
Once again, Happy New Year! Thank you, and I look forward to working closely with all of you in the months ahead.
Long live CRFFN!
Long live the freight logistics industry in Nigeria!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Igwe Kingsley O. (MILT)
