By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)
The CRFFN Registrar, Mr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi, says he’s not in office to enrich himself, but to make an impact.
The registrar stated this when a Chieftain of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Alhaji (Dr.) Segun Musa, Chairman of Widescope Group, visited him in his office recently.
He also emphasized that CRFFN’s potential to compete with NPA and NIMASA.
Mr. Igwe highlighted CRFFN’s revenue streams, including POF collection, professionalization, education, and digital platforms. He believes CRFFN can rival NPA and NIMASA with the right support.
In his remarks, Igwe further expressed frustration that CRFFN is still struggling despite being established over 18 years ago. He assured that with God’s special grace and stakeholders’ support, 2026 will be a year of consolidation and growth.
According to him, “If customs can confidently come out to say that they generated N1.78 trillion in 2025, let’s do simple mathematics. And CRFFN is also there collecting POF per container, how many containers, if all these are considered to be container cargo, so it is 1.78 trillion divided by 1,000. That is almost 17.8 million TEUs.
“And then, check if I am to collect POF on that 17.8 million, I will be making almost the equivalent of that amount. Why would CRFFN then suffer a financial crisis? I just used container cargo as an example. What about general cargo? What about the liquid cargo? What about the vehicular cargo? One stream of revenue.
“How about this professionalizing of the industry that we are talking about? It’s another revenue stream. Education and training at different levels because we are also affiliated to FIATA and FIATA curriculum is a paid curriculum and people are always desiring for it. We are also affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport so that people can have professional qualifications both at the chartered level and the global regulatory level. Now, that is another stream.
“What about the digital platforms that we are talking about? EMS system where perhaps, there are other transactions that we have commissions attached, just mere commissions for servicing those platforms. That’s another stream.
“So, who says that CRFFN does not have the capacity to compete or to be at the same level as NPA and NIMASA? We understand that the infrastructure might differ and have different interests but look at our scope, we cover both land, air and sea and today, there are so many dry ports coming up in the hinterlands. So many bonded terminals and the rest of them springing up.
“I am sure that by the special grace of God, with what we have achieved in 2025, in 2026, it’s consolidation of those things. So, we need the support of the media, the support of the stakeholders, the voices, the advocacy. What we are battling, like the scripture will say, is not against flesh and blood, they are deeper than what we see physically. What CRFFN is battling is deeper than what we see or what we can imagine. I am the one sitting on that seat, I know what I am seeing.”
On his own, Dr. Musa tasked Igwe with improving Nigerian freight forwarders’ competitiveness against foreign counterparts. He advised engaging government on behalf of freight forwarders, citing the Aviation Minister’s efforts. Musa emphasized the need for CRFFN to advocate for the industry, just as other sectors do.
The visit underscores CRFFN’s commitment to enhancing the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria. With Igwe’s leadership, stakeholders expect significant improvements and growth in the sector.