The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has issued a strong statement demanding the deregistration of four key freight forwarding associations under the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). These associations are:

• Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)
• Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN)
• National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA)
• National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC)

The Background and Context

The call for deregistration follows a series of disputes and court cases involving these associations concerning the appointment of the current CRFFN Registrar, Kingsley Igwe. These associations have also recently united in instructing their members to boycott payment of the Practitioners Operating Fees (POF), citing a court judgment obtained by Mr. Lucky Amiwero, President of NCMDLCA.

NAGAFF’s Allegations and Position

In a press briefing held in Lagos, NAGAFF’s President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, accused these associations of carrying out a political vendetta against the CRFFN and frustrating government reforms aimed at advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sectors. Ezisi called for their suspension and the withdrawal of their Certificates of Registration issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Ezisi expressed disappointment that these associations are pained that the CRFFN Registrar is an affiliate of NAGAFF, and accused them of undermining the authority of the Council, especially when decisions or leadership do not align with their interests. He pointed out that they are exploiting a court judgment—an ongoing appeal—to justify their stance against the CRFFN and its leadership.

Key Issues Highlighted by NAGAFF

• The associations have publicly aligned with a court ruling that challenges the CRFFN’s authority to regulate customs agents and collect fees, despite the fact that the CRFFN has filed for a stay of execution on that ruling.
• They have long resisted the establishment and legitimacy of CRFFN, with ANLCA having proposed a bill against it in the National Assembly.
• Past elections of CRFFN were marred by irregularities and legal challenges, which these associations have historically opposed.
• The appointment of Mr. Kingsley Igwe, a former NAGAFF Secretary, as CRFFN Registrar, has escalated tensions, with the associations launching legal actions out of what Ezisi calls a “political vendetta.”

Broader Implications and Recommendations

Ezisi believes this is part of a broader sabotage against the Nigerian government’s reform initiatives in the maritime sector. He urged the government to investigate these associations’ alleged economic and regulatory sabotage activities.

He also highlighted that these groups have often failed to meet their statutory financial obligations to CRFFN and called for their deregistration, including the withdrawal of their CAC certificates, “in the national interest.”

Achievements under the Current CRFFN Leadership

Despite these distractions, NAGAFF remains confident in the current leadership of CRFFN under Mr. Kingsley Igwe, citing significant accomplishments such as:

• Expanding the Council’s funding sources beyond the POF
• Launching an unprecedented training initiative for 1,000 freight forwarders in 2025, with 300 already trained
• Driving digital modernisation and stakeholder collaboration to enhance CRFFN’s regulatory capacity

Ezisi reaffirmed NAGAFF’s support for the government’s “renewed hope” agenda and emphasised their commitment to a professional, transparent, and nationally dedicated freight forwarding sector.