ACFFT Goes Against CRFFN Over Appeal For Freight Forwarders’ Collaboration on POF Payment
… cautions against violation of Council’s Act
By Mcanthony Onuoha
In a speedy response to the recent appeal by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) seeking the collaboration of Freight Forwarders on payment of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF), Association of Concerned Freight Forwarders and Transporters(ACFFT) has vehemently opposed the solemn appeal.
In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Sir Johnny Ubaka and made available to The Prestige Magazine Online, Ubaka stated that, ” as stakeholders with over 1000 members in the freight forwarding subsector, we are deeply troubled by the CRFFN’s refusal to recognize and accredit any other association as part of the body which is in violation of a section of the Act establishing the Council. This lack of inclusivity has led to a disconnect between the CRFFN and our members as it regards their representation and welfare.”
SIR JOHNNY UBAKA, NATIONAL COORDINATOR, ACFFT
According to the National Coordinator, ” the visit by the CRFFN Management to some associations must be extended to our organization and the dichotomy which has created the non recognition of some relevant groups like ACFFT, before agencies of government must be removed and equal recognition given to all”.
” We hereby advise our members to refrain from paying the POF until our concerns regarding welfare and representation are adequately addressed. The freight forwarding industry is already grappling with numerous challenges, and we cannot tolerate any additional burden on our businesses”.
Furthermore, the association urged the federal government to take decisive action to address the issue of high duty payments caused by the fluctuating exchange rates. “This issue is placing undue strain on our industry, and we implore the government to intervene before it escalates further”, Ubaka stated.
Continuing, the Association called for open dialogue and collaboration with the CRFFN to explore mutually beneficial solutions that prioritize the welfare and interest of all stakeholders in the freight forwarding subsector.
