By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)
In carrying out statutory functions of regulating the freight Forwarding subsector of the economy,, the Council for the Regulations of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has made good its promise of prosecuting unregistered freight forwarders operating at the nation’s seaport and other entry points as it recently constituted a tribunal to prosecute unregistered frieght forwarders practicing in the industry.
This disclosure was made by the CRFFN Chairman; Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni while speaking at the recent AGM of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) held last week.
According to the CRFFN chairman, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has been briefed and that a tribunal is expected to be inaugurated any moment from now that will see to the prosecution of unregistered freight forwarders operating at the ports.
Abubakar Tsanni noted that all licensed customs agents and freight forwarders who are not registered with the Council will be denied renewal of their licenses by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and would not be allowed to practice henceforth.
The chairman further informed that CRFFN has the mandate to set standards, build capacity, regulate freight forwarding practice and generate revenue for the government.
CRFFN boss pleaded with all ANLCA members at the AGM to do everything possible to update their membership with CRFFN before Thursday next week, to enable them participate in upcoming meetings and elections.
While also deemphasing on the need for the agents especially the clearing agents under auspecies of ANLCA, he insisted that only members who possess licenses and obtained the freight forwarders’ number and had updated their registrations will be allowed access into the meetings.
On legal issues, the council said only a registered member of the CRFFN can sue or take the council to court.
While speaking specifically about what the CRFFN Act says, the chairman reminded those at the meeting the following:
“I wish to draw your attention to section 27 subsection 1 of the CRFFN Act which states that any person not a registered freight forwarder who for or in expectation of reward holds himself out to practice as such; or (b) without reasonable excuse takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying that he is authorized by law to practice as a registered freight forwarder, commits an offence.
(2) Any person on the provisional Register who otherwise than in accordance with section 13(4) of this Act.,”for or in expectation for a reward hold himself out to practice as such “(b) Without reasonable excuse takes or uses any name, ttle, addition or description implying that he is authorized by law to practice as a registered freight forwarder, commits of an offence”
” So with this it is only a registered freight forwarders that can sue or take anybody to court, so by God grace next week Thursday our Tribunal will be inaugurated the Attorney General has already given us assurance we are going to trial those that are operating without registration.
“So my advice for everyone here is to try and register with the CRFFN” he said.