CRFFN,NPCC Collaborate For Enhanced Port Efficiency

CRFFN,NPCC Collaborate For Enhanced Port Efficiency

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a bid to address operational challenges and boost efficiency at Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) have announced plans for a collaborative synergy. This decision was reached during a meeting on Monday in Lagos, where the CRFFN Registrar and CEO, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, accompanied by his management team, visited NPCC leadership led by Mr. Bolaji Sunmola.

During the welcome address, NPCC Chairman, Mr. Sunmola, emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborations in enhancing port operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. He noted that the changing dynamics of global trade necessitate enhanced cooperation, expressing confidence that the collaboration between NPCC and CRFFN will unlock new opportunities for all stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector.

Mr. Sunmola highlighted NPCC’s role as a leading advisory, arbitration, advocacy, and consulting body on port matters, welcoming the opportunity to work with CRFFN to address operational challenges, streamline freight forwarding processes, and improve port efficiency.

The NPCC Chairman acknowledged CRFFN’s significant contributions to the transformation of the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria, aligning it with international best practices. He commended CRFFN’s efforts in standardizing the profession, enhancing capacity building, and promoting modern trade facilitation measures, which have led to increased efficiency, professionalism, and global competitiveness among Nigerian freight forwarders.

Mr. Sunmola also praised the federal government’s decision to re-list CRFFN for budgetary allocation in the 2025 fiscal year, congratulating CRFFN on securing a ₦1.75 billion allocation in the 2025 national budget. He stated that this financial support recognizes CRFFN’s vital role and will empower the council to achieve greater milestones in regulatory framework strengthening, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

In his speech, Mr. Igwe emphasized CRFFN’s strategic role in the emerging new port order, positioning the council at the center of the supply chain ecosystem. He stated that collaboration within the industry is essential to optimize opportunities in global and regional trade facilitation initiatives for Nigerian port development.

Mr. Igwe also highlighted the importance of inter-agency and inter-council collaborations to minimize conflicts and ensure real-time interventions on sector issues. He called for collaboration with NPCC in capacity building for the freight forwarding sector and emphasized the need for a united front on the National Single Window project and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to maximize their potential.

Attendees from the NPCC leadership included Vice-Chairman Barr. Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN; Mrs. Ify Akerele; Mrs. Rollens Macfoy; Kingsley Anaroke, and Barr. Mrs. Gloria Kanabe.