Minister Oyetola Earns Praise for Strategic Appointment of CRFFN Registrar

In my capacity as the pioneer Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and having steered the council from its inception to becoming a fully operational organization, I feel compelled to commend the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his decisive leadership in appointing a substantive Registrar and CEO for the council.

This bold move, executed under the powers granted by Section 5 of Act 15 of 2007, reflects a commitment to revitalize the CRFFN. The Minister, as the head of the council, has also leveraged Section 11 of the Act in the absence of a constituted Governing Board, effectively ending the uncertainty and stagnation that had plagued the council since late 2022.

Over the past year, the council’s inability to appoint a CEO led to weakened operations, unpaid salaries, and internal politicking that distracted from its mandate. Minister Oyetola’s intervention has reversed this decline with the appointment of Fwdr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi as Registrar—a choice that stands out as a well-considered and impactful decision.

Fwdr. Onyekachi brings a unique blend of academic qualifications, maturity, and professional exposure to the role. This appointment marks a milestone as it is the first time a practicing freight forwarder has been entrusted with leading the council. From all indications, merit guided the Minister’s decision, resulting in the selection of a gentleman whose character and competence are widely acknowledged.

As freight forwarders nationwide, we must rally around Fwdr. Onyekachi and offer the council our full support. Constructive engagement, rather than criticism, will ensure the continued growth and professionalism of the CRFFN, an organization we have all worked hard to build. I urge all associations under the CRFFN umbrella to abide by the law, demonstrate patriotism, and recognize the national significance of this appointment. It is vital to remember that these associations should support—not attempt to regulate—the government institution created to oversee their activities.

The ports, airports, and land borders where we operate are critical economic assets. Our logistics functions form a cornerstone of efficiency at these gateways. By uniting behind the council’s leadership, we can elevate the freight forwarding profession and strengthen our collective impact on the nation’s economy.

I wish Fwdr. Onyekachi success in this national service and call for a spirit of collaboration and goodwill among all stakeholders. Together, we can promote professionalism and uphold the values of chivalry and progress within the CRFFN.