* Explores role of freight forwarders in AfCFTA
By Kenneth Jukpor
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) is set to begin the collection of Practitioners’ Operating Fees (POF) this month, September 2019.
The Registrar of CRFFN, Barr. Samuel Nwakohu revealed this to MMS Plus after the 23rd meeting of CRFFN Governing Council in Lagos, noting that all plans to ease the collection of POF has been concluded.
“I can confirm to you that in no time we would be able to go on air to effect the collection of POF. During the meeting, we set a target of September as we said it should begin before September runs out. Personally, I want this to happen before the end of September” Nwakohu said.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to key into the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), he assured that CRFFN has started exploring opportunities for Nigerian freight forwarders.
The Registrar said that the Governing Council 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.
However, 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.
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.
