The Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Dr. Kingsley Igwe, has called for a technology-driven and professionally strengthened freight-forwarding sector to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s air cargo industry.
Igwe said the future of air cargo would depend on an interconnected logistics ecosystem in which airlines, airports, Customs, regulators, freight forwarders, terminal and ground-handling operators, technology providers and other stakeholders work towards common objectives.
He made the call while delivering his paper themed, “The Future of Air Cargo and Freight Forwarding in Nigeria”, on the Aviation Day at the 22nd Akwaaba Africa Travel Market on Tuesday in Lagos,
According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind as global trade and logistics undergo rapid transformation driven by technology, changing consumer expectations and evolving supply chains.
He identified air cargo as an important avenue for strengthening Nigeria’s participation in regional and global supply chains, particularly with the growth of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, high-value manufactured goods and other time-sensitive commodities.
Igwe, however, said infrastructure alone would not be sufficient to realise the sector’s potential, stressing the need for an efficient and interconnected ecosystem.
Digital Transformation Key to Efficiency
The CRFFN boss said the freight forwarder of the future must move beyond the traditional role of an intermediary to become a technology-enabled logistics professional, trusted supply-chain partner and facilitator of seamless international trade.
He said CRFFN remained committed to promoting professionalism, competence, ethical standards, continuous capacity development and effective deployment of technology within the freight-forwarding profession.
“Digital transformation must remain at the heart of our collective agenda”, Igwe said, stressing the need to reduce manual processes, eliminate unnecessary delays, improve information sharing and enhance end-to-end cargo visibility.
He cited the National Single Window and other digital trade and logistics platforms as opportunities to improve transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business.
Igwe also pointed to the recently approved CRFFN Logroom4.1 initiative for freight-services pricing mechanisms, saying such platforms could contribute to greater transparency and efficiency if effectively implemented, integrated and supported by stakeholders.
Igwe Seeks End to Clearance Delays
The Registrar/CEO said the industry must also confront persistent challenges including multiple regulatory interfaces, cargo clearance delays, inadequate infrastructure, high logistics costs and gaps in stakeholder coordination.
He said the challenges required a whole-of-industry approach based on collaboration, accountability and shared responsibility rather than isolated interventions.
According to him, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s air cargo system would have direct implications for the country’s economic diversification efforts.
He said an efficient air cargo network could help Nigerian farmers, manufacturers, exporters, small and medium-sized enterprises and other businesses gain faster access to international markets.
“Its efficiency can help Nigerian products reach markets faster, reduce wastage of perishable goods and enhance the competitiveness of our exporters”, he said.
CRFFN Pledges Stronger Industry Partnership
Igwe said freight forwarding remained critical to ensuring that the benefits of an efficient air cargo system reached businesses across the country.
He pledged deeper collaboration between CRFFN and other industry stakeholders towards creating a freight-forwarding environment that is professional, efficient, transparent, technology-driven and globally competitive.
He urged participants at the conference to move beyond discussions and develop practical actions and partnerships capable of advancing Nigeria’s air cargo industry.
Igwe said the Council’s vision was for a freight-forwarding profession that would be respected internationally, supported by competent professionals, enabled by technology and positioned at the heart of national economic development.