The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited in a strategic move aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s freight forwarding and logistics industry for global competitiveness.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, is designed to strengthen capacity building, deepen regulatory reforms, promote global best practices and accelerate transformation across the nation’s freight logistics ecosystem.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, described the partnership as the culmination of engagements that began on September 24, 2025, when a CRFFN delegation visited the headquarters of Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited. He noted that discussions with the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Opah, laid the foundation for a shared vision to transform and reposition the sector.
Igwe stressed that the MoU goes beyond a ceremonial document, describing it as a forward-looking strategic alliance aligned with CRFFN’s statutory mandate under Act 16 of 2007 to regulate, control and professionalise freight forwarding practice in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Council is undergoing a comprehensive institutional transformation in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. According to him, the reform drive is repositioning CRFFN as a transparent and credible regulator, a promoter of global best practices, and a strategic partner in national trade facilitation.
“Our goal is clear: to build a freight forwarding and logistics industry that is competitive, technology-driven, ethically grounded and globally respected,” Igwe said, adding that meaningful transformation requires strong partnerships with credible private sector operators.
He commended Fortune Global’s footprint in multimodal logistics, customs brokerage, supply chain solutions and international trade services, noting its operational network across six continents. Both organisations, he said, share alignment in capacity development, regulatory enhancement, technology-driven logistics solutions, adoption of international standards and pro-trade policy advocacy.
Under the MoU, the parties will collaborate on training and mentorship programmes for freight forwarders, seminars and conferences, regulatory research, industry innovation initiatives and institutional strengthening.
In a major policy announcement, the CRFFN Registrar unveiled plans to establish a Logistics CEOs’ Forum as part of the Council’s broader reform architecture. The forum will function as a technical advisory body to the Office of the Registrar, a think tank on logistics policy and strategy, and a structured platform for engagement between the regulator and industry leaders.
Membership of the forum will comprise selected leaders from reputable logistics and freight forwarding organisations with significant operational experience and international exposure. Its mandate will include providing technical input on proposed regulations, advising on licensing and compliance standards, supporting research and data-driven policy formulation, identifying barriers to trade, and contributing to the development of a long-term National Logistics Strategy.
Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited has been invited to spearhead the initiative, which is expected to be formally inaugurated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Igwe also advocated a “trade-first” policy framework, stressing that regulations, levies and compliance structures must be assessed based on whether they enhance or impede trade competitiveness. He maintained that Nigeria must strategically position itself as a logistics hub for West and Central Africa by encouraging responsible private sector participation, strengthening transparency and dispute resolution mechanisms, expanding access to affordable financing for indigenous logistics firms, and advancing digitalisation across the supply chain.
He clarified that the MoU provides a framework for cooperation, with specific binding commitments to be detailed in subsequent agreements focused on measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
Describing logistics as the backbone of trade and a critical driver of GDP growth, Igwe said strengthening the sector would stimulate manufacturing, agriculture, exports, employment and national revenue.
“Today, we move from dialogue to action from ideas to implementation and toward a more professional, innovative and globally competitive Nigerian logistics industry,” he stated.
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