Igwe Kingsley O., the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), has unveiled an ambitious strategic roadmap for 2025 aimed at driving growth, improving welfare, and strengthening the regulatory framework of the freight logistics industry in Nigeria.
In his New Year address to the CRFFN staff and stakeholders in the freight logistics sector, Igwe Kingsley began by extending his heartfelt New Year greetings, wishing everyone a prosperous and successful year. He expressed deep gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, and his team for their trust in his leadership, emphasizing the significance of the role he has assumed at such a crucial time for CRFFN. The Registrar highlighted that the appointment is not only an honor but also a responsibility to serve with utmost dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
The strategic vision for 2025, according to Igwe Kingsley, will revolve around four key pillars designed to strengthen CRFFN’s position in the freight logistics sector and improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). These pillars include enhancing professional standards through innovation and solution-driven policies, improving capacity building and regulatory efficiency, driving collaboration with sister agencies, and enhancing the welfare and working conditions of CRFFN staff across Nigeria.
A central theme of the address was the commitment to enhancing professional standards in the freight logistics industry. The Registrar emphasized that the Council will focus on developing and enforcing policies that promote compliance, excellence, transparency, and integrity. These measures will ensure that CRFFN remains a leading regulatory authority while fostering a culture of professionalism across the sector.
Additionally, the CEO outlined plans to improve the capacity of both CRFFN staff and freight forwarders. This will be achieved by launching comprehensive training programs, workshops, and certifications tailored to meet the evolving demands of the global logistics landscape. The focus on human capital development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and the strategic priorities of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Igwe Kingsley also underscored the importance of collaboration with other regulatory bodies, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. Strengthening these partnerships will streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and foster joint initiatives that drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. In this regard, CRFFN aims to build a resilient freight logistics industry that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
Another key focus of the address was the improved welfare of CRFFN staff. The Registrar acknowledged the hardships faced by the workforce, especially regarding the prolonged non-payment of salaries. However, he expressed his appreciation for the timely intervention of the Honourable Minister, who approved a bailout fund for the payment of salary arrears. Igwe Kingsley assured the staff that salaries would be paid promptly moving forward, and efforts would be made to enhance workplace conditions and foster professional growth for all employees.
The CEO also addressed the challenges faced by the Nigerian freight logistics industry, including issues related to poor representation and a lack of genuine recognition at various levels. Despite these challenges, he highlighted the remarkable opportunities for growth, given Nigeria’s strategic position within Africa, its critical ports, and the expanding blue economy. He emphasized the need to bridge the significant gap in capacity building for freight forwarders by prioritizing training, knowledge development, and skill enhancement to ensure the industry remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
In his closing remarks, Igwe Kingsley called for unity within the sector. He urged stakeholders to set aside divisions and work collaboratively toward achieving the common goal of transforming the industry. As the statutory unifying body, CRFFN has the opportunity to lead the way in reshaping the freight logistics landscape and positioning Nigeria as a key player in global trade.
The Registrar’s vision for CRFFN is to position the Council as a leading regulatory body that fosters innovation, integrity, and excellence in freight forwarding, ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness. His mission is to effectively regulate the industry, ensure compliance, promote professional development, and generate sustainable revenue streams for CRFFN.
Igwe Kingsley concluded his address by urging all CRFFN staff, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders to embrace this vision with enthusiasm and commitment, making 2025 a year of transformation, achievement, and growth for the entire sector.