CRFFN, CIB sign MoU to deepen transparency, cut hidden costs in freight forwarding

The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Convention on Business Integrity (CIB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting transparency, reducing unreceipted charges, and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s ports and logistics corridors.

The event, held at Providence by Mantis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together industry stakeholders, development partners, and representatives of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).

CRFFN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Igwe Kingsley Onyekechi, described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push for cleaner, more transparent port operations. 

According to him, the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), particularly initiatives targeting ports and customs efficiency.

He said the MoU would deploy internationally tested anti-corruption tools, already effective offshore to the land side of ports, enabling real-time reporting of bottlenecks, undue demands, and operational delays.

“This MoU is all about introducing transparency in the freight forwarding business. It will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce costs, and improve the flow of cargo across our ports and logistics corridors. These tools are for everyone: importers, exporters, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and government agencies. They help users mitigate challenges in real time,” he said.

Onyekechi stressed that the tools are not designed to witch-hunt operators but to sanitise the system and discourage backdoor practices that inflate the cost of goods.

“When deals are done without transparency, justice is threatened. We want a cleaner, more transparent environment. If users face challenges, whether from state or non-state actors, they can get help immediately. But those using the tools must also be clean; no one goes to equity with dirty hands,” he said. 

He added that the reforms would ultimately benefit everyday Nigerians by lowering logistics costs, which contribute significantly to rising market prices.

CIB co-founder, Olusoji Apampa, said the partnership builds on progress achieved at the marine side of Nigerian ports, where vessel operations have become more transparent and less prone to harassment and unreceipted payments.

According to him, extending these gains to the land corridor is critical because freight forwarders still encounter numerous informal charges at almost every stage of cargo movement.

“Today, we signed an MoU to provide CRFFN with tools developed by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, headquartered in Denmark. Beyond providing tools, we will offer training, capacity building, and support on how to receive complaints and follow through to ensure change happens along the land side of the ports and the wider logistics corridors,” he said

Apampa noted that over 80 to 90 percent of goods consumed in Nigeria enter through the ports, meaning every hidden charge eventually reflects in retail prices.

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“Many officials don’t realise that unreceived demands go back into freight costs and ultimately into the price of goods in the market. We all shop in the same markets, so this change benefits everyone,” he said.

He added that the initiative would gradually extend beyond the maritime sector into aviation and other logistics areas as part of a broader integrity and governance reform agenda.