By Kenneth Jukpor
As part of efforts to key into the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has started exploring opportunities for Nigerian freight forwarders.
The Registrar of CRFFN, Barr. Samuel Nwakohu revealed this while addressing newsmen after the 23rd meeting of CRFFN Governing Council in Lagos, yesterday.
He said that the Governing Council had mandated him to look at the role of the freight forwarding community in AfCFTA.
“We want to find out how we can use AfCFTA for the benefit of freight forwarders in Nigeria”, he assured.
Meanwhile, he admonished freight forwarders to also look into the agreement thoroughly, noting that the bulky agreement had provisions for everybody.
“Freight forwarders should look at how they can carve a niche for themselves and benefit from AfCFTA” he said.
Nwakohu stated that Council also discussed issues like; promotions, welfare, restructuring the organogram, among others.
“Another key resolution that we reached was on the Consultative forum which is the mouthpiece of the organization and what we should do to ensure that we achieve our mandate” he said.
On the collection of Practitioners Operating Fees (POF), he assured that the Council would begin collection of POF in September 2019.
Also commenting on the restriction of forex for the importation of food items, he expressed optimism that the government is encouraging local production of food.
Noting that CRFFN still has a lot to achieve this year, he said, “I took over in February and I have my agenda, the collection of POF is one of them, attaining optimal welfare for the staff is another, ensuring that there is discipline in the system is an agenda. It is a gradual process”
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Henry Njoku described the meeting as a wonderful one because most of the things initially put in place by the Council have started yeilding desired results.
“Majority of our members came up with quality reports on things that we can implement and we have started working on them seriously” he said.
He also commended all members of the Governing Council for the commitment to work in unison.
“From the practitioners to appointees, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other stakeholders represented, there has been unity of purpose. I can tell you that this is only the beginning of good things coming up in the Council” Njoku assured.
