Dr. Eugene Nweke is a consummate freight forwarder, wearing many caps in the maritime industry, one of which is Secretary, Customs
Consultative Committee(CCC). He facilitated a Career Talk at Unique Toes Mission School, Lagos, themed:”Connecting Nations,Creating Opportunities”. He spoke on freight forwarding as a profession and the opportunities inherent for the young career seekers and students, highlighting subjects and courses of study for prospective students. Enjoy it.
It is a great honour to stand before you today to speak about a profession that many people see every day but do not fully understand — the profession of Freight Forwarding.
What is Freight Forwarding?.
Let me start with a simple question:
Have you ever bought something that was made in another country?
Have you seen big containers on trucks on the road?
All those goods — cars, rice, books, clothes, phones, even school materials — travel from one country to another.
The professionals who arrange and coordinate how those goods move from one place to another are called Freight Forwarders.
A Freight Forwarder is a logistics expert who helps move goods safely, legally, and efficiently from one country to another by air, sea, road, or rail.
Where Do Freight Forwarders Work?.
Freight forwarders work in:
*Seaports,
*Airports
*Border stations
*Shipping companies
*Logistics companies
*International trade offices.
In Nigeria, freight forwarding activities are regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
They also work closely with agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service, which ensures goods entering and leaving Nigeria follow the law.
Why is Freight Forwarding Important?.
Freight forwarding:
* Helps Nigeria trade with other countries
* Creates jobs
* Supports businesses
* Generates revenue for government
* Connects Nigeria to the world
Without freight forwarders, international trade would be chaotic and disorganized.
Skills Needed to Become a Freight Forwarder:
*To become a successful Freight Forwarder, you must:
* Be intelligent and analytical
* Be honest and trustworthy
* Be good in Mathematics
* Understand Geography
* Be able to communicate well
* Be computer literate
* Have leadership qualities
* For my dear primary pupils — focus on your English, Mathematics, and Social Studies.
*For secondary students — consider subjects like:
* Economics, Commerce, Government, and ICT.
Courses You Can Study-
After secondary school, you can study:
* Transport Management
* Logistics and Supply Chain Management
* Maritime Studies
* Business Administration
* International Trade.
Institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Freight Forwarders and universities offering logistics programs prepare professionals for this career.
Career Opportunities in Freight Forwarding.
You can become:
Customs Broker
Logistics Manager
Shipping Line Executive
Port Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Maritime Consultant
International Trade Specialist
It is a global profession. You can work in Nigeria and anywhere in the world.
The Future of Freight Forwarding:
The world is changing rapidly:
* Digital customs processing
* E-commerce growth
* Automation at ports
* Global supply chains.
Freight forwarding is becoming more professional, more digital, and more strategic.
Nigeria needs young, smart, disciplined people like you to take over the future of international trade.
A Personal Word to You(Pupils) :
* No profession is small.
* No dream is too big.
* Freight forwarding is not just about clearing goods — it is about facilitating trade, building economies, and serving humanity.
* If you choose this career, choose it with integrity.
* Because in logistics and trade, your name is your greatest asset.
Conclusion:
You may become doctors, lawyers, engineers — but some of you may also become global trade experts who move goods across continents.
Freight Forwarding is:
* A professional career
* A strategic economic pillar
* A pathway to entrepreneurship
* A tool for national development.
