The Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved a new tranche of bailout funds to clear a five-month salary backlog owed to the staff of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). This follows the earlier approval for the payment of salary arrears from March to July 2024.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Kingsley Igwe, confirmed the approval in his New Year message, expressing his gratitude for the timely intervention. He emphasized that the new bailout fund will cover salary arrears from August to December 2024, offering crucial financial relief to the affected staff. Igwe reassured that moving forward, salary payments will be made promptly, and he expects a renewed commitment and productivity from the workforce.

Additionally, Igwe outlined plans for enhancing workplace conditions and promoting professional growth across CRFFN offices nationwide in 2025. These initiatives aim to empower the workforce, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the industry’s evolving demands.

Igwe also addressed the need for increased investment in training and capacity building for freight forwarders. He highlighted that insufficient professional development hampers the industry’s competitiveness and adaptation to changing regulations and technological advancements. He stressed the importance of uniting practitioners and working together to advance the freight forwarding sector in Nigeria, ensuring CRFFN’s growth to match its sister agencies such as the NPA, NIMASA, and the Nigeria Shippers Council.