The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, has been commended for his bold decision to appoint Fwdr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi as the substantive Registrar and CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
In a statement issued by Iju Tony Nwabunike, pioneer Chairman of the CRFFN Governing Board, the appointment was described as a pivotal move to restore stability and efficiency to the council, which had been without a CEO since late 2022.
“Minister Oyetola deserves accolades for asserting the powers of his office under Section 5 of Act 16 of 2007 to appoint a substantive Registrar in the absence of a Governing Board,” Nwabunike stated. “This decision ends the retrogression and internal distractions that have plagued the council for over a year.”
He praised the Minister for prioritizing merit in selecting Fwdr. Onyekachi, noting that this marks the first time a practicing freight forwarder has been appointed to lead the council.
“Fwdr. Onyekachi’s academic qualifications, maturity, and exposure make him the right choice. He is a gentleman of impeccable character and competence who can reposition the council to fulfill its mandate,” Nwabunike added.
Nwabunike urged freight forwarders nationwide to rally behind the new Registrar and work collaboratively to uphold professionalism in the sector.
“We must support the council we have labored to build and ensure its growth. I call on all associations under CRFFN regulation to be law-abiding and patriotic. Let’s discourage bitterness and focus on advancing our profession,” he said.
He emphasized the critical role of freight forwarders in ensuring efficiency at Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders, which are vital to the nation’s economy.
Nwabunike expressed optimism that the council, under Fwdr. Onyekachi’s leadership, will overcome past challenges, including financial constraints and internal politicking.
“This appointment signals a new era for CRFFN. With collective support and a shared vision, we can drive the council to achieve its full potential,” he concluded.