Why Nigeria Needs to Reposition Freight Forwarding Practice in Line with International Standard – SEREC
OYETOLA
By Francis Ugwoke
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has stressed the need for Nigeria to reposition the freight forwarding profession to be in line with international standards.
Head Of Research of the group, Fwdr Eugene Nweke Rff, explained that repositioning the profession will not only bring about national good, but also make the country stronger in International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).
“For once, Nigeria must down play politics and lackluster attitudes towards the development and advancements of the freight forwarding logistics profession, it’s time to get seriously and reposition the profession for national good”, Nweke said.
He explained that a stronger Nigerian FIATA engagement could yeld greater influence on global policy, adding that Nigeria can push priorities for Africa, West Africa in global forums.
Nweke identified other benefits as :
* Access to capacity building and technical support: adoption of international standards, training, digital tools.
* Attract partnerships & funding: international development agencies, trade facilitators may see Nigeria as a credible partner.
* Improved competitiveness of Nigerian forwarding / logistics firms globally (better standards, processes, connections).
* Regional leadership: Nigeria could become a logistics hub not just for itself but for the subregion, using FIATA networks”
Noting that that Nigeria’s principal regulatory / coordinating body for freight forwarding is the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), established by Act No. 16 of 2007, Nweke said that the regulatory body’s mandate includes “developing and enforcing standards of competence and professional conduct, training, registering freight forwarders, and linking with international bodies”.
He equally added that while FIATA Nigeria country page shows a significant number of individual member companies in Nigeria (freight forwarders, logistics firms) under the Nigeria listing, but added that some years back media commentary was that Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector was knocking CRFFN over what was seen as institutional deficiencies.
Part of the issues was CRFFN failure to register Nigeria properly with FIATA (or meet participation standards).
“In 2022, there was reporting that Nigeria risks being evicted/delisted from FIATA, if formal complaint is lodged, due to delinquency or non-compliance of its national freight forwarding body.
“As far back as 2011, conflicts existed between NAGAFF (National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders) and CRFFN: NAGAFF reportedly challenged CRFFN’s membership standing in FIATA, calling for suspension or independent inquiry.
“These tensions suggest that Nigeria’s participation in FIATA has not always been smooth or fully effective”.
Nweke in his statement added, “ Nigeria has a large economy and is a major trade hub in West Africa. The freight/logistics flows (imports, exports, transit, regional trade) give many practitioners experience and scale.
“There exists a regulatory body (CRFFN) with legal backing, giving structure and legitimacy, as opposed to purely voluntary associations.
“The presence of many freight forwarding firms that are FIATA individual members shows active grassroots interest (per the FIATA Nigeria page).
“The regulatory mandate includes capacity building, professional development, and alignment with international standards (so the scaffolding is there)”
He identified gaps, risks and weaknesses in Nigeria’s FIATA engagement as follow:
1. Institutional Friction / Internal Disputes:
The conflict between CRFFN and few accredited freight forwarding associations (and possibly other associations) undermines unity of voice and credibility.
If national bodies are perceived as unstable or contested, international bodies (like FIATA) may view Nigeria as less reliable.
2. Compliance & Membership Maintenance:
Risk of non-compliance with FIATA’s membership/policy requirements (e.g. dues, reporting, participation) may expose Nigeria to delisting or suspension as hinted in media.
Lack of clarity whether CRFFN always keeps Nigeria’s membership valid and active (the 2020 criticism suggests lapses)
3. Low Representation in FIATA Leadership:
Historically, Nigeria has seldom (if ever) occupied one of the top leadership roles (Vice President on Extended Board, Chairs of FIATA regional bodies) — so commands less direct influence in decision making.
Without leadership presence, Nigeria’s priorities may not get as much attention on the global FIATA agenda”.
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