Dr. Aniebonam Calls For Professionalism, Clarity In Freight Forwarding Sector Amidst Ongoing Crisis
Dr. Aniebonam Calls For Professionalism, Clarity In Freight Forwarding Sector Amidst Ongoing Crisis
Founder,NNPP,and NAGAFF,Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam addressing the Press today at NAGAfF Head Quarters Apapa Lagos
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has called for an end to the ongoing distractions and internal crises rocking the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria. He made this known while addressing journalists on Monday in Lagos.
Dr. Aniebonam, who is widely recognized as a key figure in the establishment of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), questioned the motives of individuals and associations who have chosen to disassociate from the council, warning that such moves could hurt national revenue and the development of the freight sector.
“Is it a coalition of registered political parties or individuals? You must separate them,” he said, referring to recent declarations by certain freight associations seeking to exit CRFFN. “These people have decided to go. What’s the problem? You don’t force them.”
He emphasized that CRFFN was established by an Act of the National Assembly, just like the Customs and Excise Management Act, and that both institutions were meant to work collaboratively—not in conflict.
“If ANLCA and others want to leave, let them go. Let us give ourselves peace. The distraction is too much,” he said, adding that CRFFN is fundamentally focused on knowledge and skill development within the profession.
The NAGAFF founder also revealed ongoing legal battles concerning the status of CRFFN, stressing that the council is not an agency of the Federal Government. “We are in the Appeal Court,” he said. “The court earlier ruled, but we decided to mellow down for peace and functionality.”
He condemned those who, after losing CRFFN elections, have continued to incite division and opposition. “You contested, you lost, you went to court, and now you’re back again to say others are not credible? You’re damaging government revenue,” he warned, referencing the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) which he said contributes directly to national income.
Dr. Aniebonam also marveled at what he described as divine intervention in the appointment of the new CRFFN Registrar,Mr.Kinhsley Igwe, a former member of NAGAFF whom he claims not to know personally. “That’s how God works. I was sitting under a mango tree when he introduced himself. Next thing, he was appointed because he excelled. I’ve never met the Minister of Blue Economy either,” he stated.
Urging journalists and stakeholders to embrace truth and professionalism, Dr. Aniebonam said it was time for relevant ministries—Transport, Blue Economy, and Finance—to fully understand the complex dynamics of the freight forwarding industry.
The NAGAfF founder stated emphatically that he is fully on support of whatever the National President,High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi,may have told the press today regarding the actions of four notable freight associations,who are threatening to exit the CRFFN
His word,” Whatever the NAGAfF president must have told you people today is fully backed up by me”
“The time for professionalism has come. Making declarations for customs purposes must be done by trained individuals. Our young freight forwarders need proper training to meet international standards,” he declared.
The veteran freight forwarder concluded by reiterating that NAGAFF remains committed to development, peace, and capacity-building in the industry. “We are children of God. Anyone fighting NAGAFF is indirectly fighting with God,” he said emphatically.
