CRFFN Dispels Misconceptions Over Court Ruling, Reaffirms Mandate to Regulate Freight Forwarding Sector
Nifemi Coker
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has addressed concerns arising from a recent court judgment that has sparked concerns across Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector.
The Federal High Court in Ikeja, Lagos, delivered a verdict on May 26, 2025, which has since gained traction on various media platforms, the Council’s Registrar, Mr Kingsley Igwe, said, was without adequate notice or legal representation of the Council in the suit.
In a press conference at the Council’s headquaters in Lagos, it expressed dismay over the publication of the ruling, which it described as misleading and potentially disruptive to the progress made in the industry.
Igwe suggested the judgment was being weaponized by mischief makers intent on derailing the reform agenda that has brought relative stability to the sector, particularly under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
Setting the record straight, the CRFFN reaffirmed its legal mandate as established under Act No. 16 of 2007, which empowers the Council to regulate and control freight forwarding in Nigeria.
The Council’s responsibilities, as defined under Section 4 of its Act, include registering and licensing freight forwarders, enforcing standards and discipline, and setting the benchmark for professional knowledge and conduct.
Significantly, Igwe highlighted that its authority extends to Customs Licensed Agents who function within the freight forwarding chain.
This position is legally supported by Section 106(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which explicitly categorizes customs representatives as freight forwarders, subject to CRFFN’s code of conduct and regulations.
On the contentious issue of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF), the CRFFN clarified that the fee is not a tax but a statutory regulatory tool, grounded in Section 4(e) of its enabling law.
The POF is designed to promote professionalism, support continuous training, and enhance institutional transparency and data integrity within the industry.
The Council revealed that its legal team is reviewing the court’s decision and will explore appropriate judicial remedies, including appeal or clarification, where necessary.
Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, CRFFN assured stakeholders of its resolve to maintain regulatory continuity and stakeholder engagement.
Practitioners were urged to remain calm and compliant, with the Council pledging to provide further updates as the situation unfolds.
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