By Chris Ochayi
THE Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, has regretted the colossal loss suffered by Nigeria maritime industry following activities of an unaccredited agency which peddled false rumours that deprived the nation of capacity building and professionalism in the maritime operation.

This was contained in the report of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association, FIATA, world congress held in Cairo, Egypt between October 16 and 21, 2011, where the Chairman of CRFFN, Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju,  led five-man delegation to attend.

According to the report made available to Vanguard,  “an unaccredited association, known as International Freight Forwarders Association, IEEA, wrote to FIATA warning them not to have any dealings with CRFFN, a statutory regulatory agency of government and threatening to unleash mayhem in ports operations which will cripple the Nigerian economy if FIATA did not heed to their advice.

“Consequently, FIATA placed a no-travel-ban on its official to Nigeria and the Training-of-the trainers, ,TOT, programme, which was to be held in Nigeria for the first time from September 9-14, 2011 could not take place with the attendant threat of suspension or outright expulsion of Nigeria from the world body.

“Nigeria thus lost the benefits of the TOT in capacity building and professionalism leading to employment and wealth creation. FIATA believes that all is not well with freight forwarding industry in Nigeria if immediately after the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, had resolved its differences with CRFFN, another association was taking over.

“The suspension was averted but the no-travel-ban was lifted. FIATA wants the government of Nigeria to take disciplinary actions against IFFA and to be assured of the safety and security of its officials while in Nigeria.

It noted further that Nigeria lost hosting of 2012 meeting of the Region Africa Middle East, RAME, to South Africa. We read the handwriting on the way and tactical withdrew to save us some embarrassment from other waiting contending members who were of the development regarding the letter written by IFFA to FIATA, referred to above.

Part of the activities marking the congress was the appointment of Ghana the Regional Training Centre for West Africa, Ethiopia for the North Africa and South Africa for the South of Africa.