Stories by Ajibola Abayomi Lagos
Th e National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has said that it has set up a lobby committee to engage the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in a discussion to see if it could grant waiver up to 50% for the backlog of the unpaid annual subscriptions dating back to the last fi ve years. A release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of NAGAFF, Mr. Stanley Ezenga said that the lobby became imperative as a result of the recession currently being witnessed in the country.
It however advised that where it was not possible for the waiver to be granted, freight forwarders should see it as part of the sacrifi ces they all must make to ensure the success of CRFFN. Th e statement informed freight forwarders that there were eff orts by CRFFN to compile an authentic register of freight forwarders for the purpose of the forthcoming election into the Governing Council of CRFFN. Th e statement reads,”It is on record that membership of CRFFN are in three categories namely individual, corporate and Associations.
In order to fast track and facilitate quick compilation of eligible freight forwarders’ register, the Council has decided to update its register for that purpose. “Accordingly every freight forwarder whose name is already in the list is expected to update his/her membership of Council to enable them vote or be voted for during the election. “It is also important to advise those who may not have completed their payment with CRFFN to do so. Intending members equally have the opportunity to register with CRFFN urgently for eligibility into the fold of registered freight forwarders of Nigeria.
“NAGAFF has provided CRFFN with four brand new computers to be manned by CRFFN staff fast-forward the registration and compilation of authentic register for the purpose of election. “We therefore call on all individuals and corporate practitioners in the freight forwarding profession to go to NAGAFF Village, 2A Maybin Road GRA, Apapa, Lagos, for the purposes of registration and payment of dues required. “At the moment, NAGAFF has set up a lobby Committee to engage CRFFN in a discussion to see if waiver for the past years’ annual subscription can be mitigated with 50% reduction due to the recession in our country.
But where it is not possible it is still sacrifi ces we all must make to ensure the success of CRFFN. “We also will want to inform the practitioners that NAGAFF and its members are at the appeal court to interpret whether CRFFN is an agency of the Government or not. We also know that our sister association is equally in court on POF collection.
“NAGAFF is equally moving up North and South East to facilitate e-registration of CRFFN membership and to enable other practitioners update themselves for the coming election. We wish to specially announce and advise all practitioners in the freight business to understand that CRFFN mandate is to regulate and control freight practitioners. “Th e Ministerial order of the Transport Minister has now made it clear in line with the CRFFN Act for those who do not understand its authority to regulate Freight Forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents. If you must have access to the port, the CRFFN ID Card is the authority for NPA issuance of port pass to practitioners.”
