APFFLON disowns legal action against Minister, backs appointment of CRFFN Registrar
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has distanced itself from the recent legal action taken by four of the five self-accredited freight forwarding associations against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, over the appointment of Mr. Kingsley Onyekachi Igwe as the substantive Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), and the National Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC) had jointly challenged the Minister’s appointment of Mr. Igwe, citing procedural concerns.
However, APFFLON has made it clear that it was not part of this legal challenge and supports the Minister’s decision, describing it as a necessary step to reform the industry.
In a statement signed by its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, APFFLON condemned the actions of the four associations, accusing them of pursuing selfish interests rather than the collective good of the freight forwarding industry.
Ogunojemite recalled that industry stakeholders had long advocated for the appointment of a professional freight forwarder as CRFFN Registrar/CEO, making the opposition to Mr. Igwe’s appointment “sad and unfortunate.”
“The Honourable Minister acted in the best interest of the profession and the nation by appointing a professional freight forwarder to lead the CRFFN.
“Those opposing the decision are not representing the interests of the freight forwarding community but rather their personal agendas,” Ogunojemite stated.
He further accused the associations of consistently undermining the industry through what he described as “sabotage and gangsterism,” stressing that their actions have caused instability in the sector.
He also highlighted issues of non-compliance by the associations with statutory obligations, including failure to pay annual subscriptions and file returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Ogunojemite maintained that the Minister acted within the powers conferred on him by the CRFFN Act 16 of 2007, particularly in exercising the “Direction of General Character” authority, given the current state of emergency in the maritime sector.
He argued that the legal action was not only unjustified but also lacked merit, as the associations had themselves flouted the CRFFN Act in the past by failing to follow due process in electing governing council members and maintaining valid accreditation status.
APFFLON also disclosed plans to apply for joinder in the ongoing legal proceedings as an interested party, stating its commitment to defending the Minister’s appointment of Mr. Igwe.
“We will not fold our arms while a few individuals attempt to derail the progress of the industry,” Ogunojemite said.
“We have consulted our legal team and are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the Minister’s decision stands. It’s time for the freight forwarding industry to move forward, and we are ready to support the government’s reform agenda.”
He urged the concerned associations to reassess their actions and fulfill their obligations to the industry and the nation, stressing that APFFLON would continue to champion transparency, professionalism, and development within the maritime sector.
