By: Joy Enamuna

The newly appointed Registrar and CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Fwdr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi (MlLT), has expressed deep gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (CON), for his appointment and support. Onyekachi emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his mandate and ushering in a new chapter for the Council.

In his New Year message, shared with Lagos Trace News Magazine, Onyekachi extended warm wishes for a prosperous 2025, expressing his gratitude and clear determination to serve. He commended the federal government for placing the right leadership at the helm of CRFFN, noting, “At a time when expertise and professionalism are critical for CRFFN’s future, I do not take this responsibility lightly.”

Onyekachi, with extensive experience in freight forwarding, outlined his agenda for the Council in 2025. His plans focus on boosting the Council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through four key strategic pillars:
1. Strengthening Professional Standards Through Innovation and Solution-Driven Policies
The first pillar will involve establishing and enforcing policies to elevate professional standards within the freight logistics industry. Onyekachi aims to promote a culture of compliance, excellence, and integrity to position CRFFN as a leading regulatory authority.
2. Enhancing Capacity Building and Regulatory Efficiency
This agenda will prioritize professional training. CRFFN plans to roll out training programs for staff to enhance their regulatory skills. Workshops, certifications, and seminars will be held for freight forwarders to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest industry developments. This initiative aligns with the national development goals under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the strategic direction of Minister Oyetola.
3. Driving Collaboration with Sister Agencies
Onyekachi emphasized the importance of collaboration with other government agencies and private sector partners. This year, CRFFN will work closely with agencies like the Nigeria Ports Authority, the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigeria Shippers Council to streamline regulatory processes and foster innovation in the industry.
4. Improving Welfare and Working Conditions of Staff
Onyekachi acknowledged the hardship faced by CRFFN staff due to delayed salary payments. He praised the timely intervention of Minister Oyetola, who secured bailout funds to settle five months of salary arrears. Another fund has been approved for outstanding salary payments from August to December 2024, with efforts underway to ensure prompt disbursement. Going forward, Onyekachi promised that staff salaries would be paid on time, urging renewed dedication and productivity in return.

In addition to the strategic pillars, Onyekachi outlined his vision to address challenges in the freight logistics sector, which include poor representation, lack of professional recognition, and the need for greater acceptance. He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa, its crucial ports, and the potential of the blue economy as a platform for industry advancement.

Despite these opportunities, Onyekachi pointed to significant gaps in training and professional development for freight forwarders. He called for increased investment in education and mentorship to address these gaps, ensuring that the industry adapts to evolving demands and technological advancements.

Onyekachi also emphasized the importance of unity within the freight logistics sector, urging stakeholders to work together to bridge the gap between CRFFN and other agencies. He envisions CRFFN becoming a leading regulatory body that fosters innovation, integrity, and professionalism in freight forwarding, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

“My mission is to regulate the freight forwarding industry effectively, ensure compliance, promote professional growth, and generate sustainable revenue for the Council,” Onyekachi concluded, calling on all CRFFN staff and industry stakeholders to embrace his vision with enthusiasm as they work towards a more efficient and prosperous freight logistics sector in Nigeria.