NPCC Pledges Support for CRFFN’s Drive Toward Digital Transformation in Nigeria’s Freight Logistics Sector

In a major stride toward modernizing Nigeria’s freight logistics landscape, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has commended the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) for convening a strategic Stakeholder Engagement Forum aimed at addressing critical challenges around the standardisation and digitisation of freight logistics services and pricing mechanisms.

The event, held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa, brought together key actors across the maritime and logistics value chain, including freight forwarders, terminal operators, regulatory agencies, and trade advocates. The forum spotlighted long-standing issues such as regulatory overlaps, non-standardised freight charges, infrastructure inefficiencies, and the slow pace of digital adoption in port operations.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of NPCC, its Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, applauded CRFFN for spearheading a proactive and solution-oriented dialogue. He described the forum as both timely and foundational to the transformation of Nigeria’s port economy.

“The theme before us—Challenges, Standardisation and Digitisation of Freight Logistics Services and Pricing Mechanisms—resonates deeply with NPCC’s mandate. We believe strongly that dialogue like this is not just essential—it is foundational to the modernization of Nigeria’s maritime economy,” Mr. Sunmola remarked.

The NPCC Chairman emphasized the need to close the persistent gap in harmonised, technology-driven logistics systems. He advocated for practical, globally-aligned solutions such as the Port Community System (PCS), a fully integrated National Single Window, and the widespread adoption of electronic documentation and real-time data-sharing across public and private logistics actors.

Referencing global benchmarks, Mr. Sunmola cited examples from Singapore, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates, where unified digital ecosystems have yielded remarkable efficiency and cost benefits. He reaffirmed NPCC’s commitment to partnering with CRFFN to co-create a modern, transparent, and globally competitive logistics framework for Nigeria.

This call to action aligns closely with CRFFN’s broader strategy. According to CRFFN Registrar/CEO, Mr. Igwe Kingsley O., the Council is driving digital transformation through training, stakeholder engagement, and new digital platforms. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to position Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector to take advantage of regional trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“With AfCFTA now in effect, freight forwarders who continue to operate manually will be left behind. Digitisation is no longer optional—it is a prerequisite for relevance, competitiveness, and sustainability,” the Registrar stressed.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunmola assured that NPCC would continue to contribute thought leadership and industry-wide mobilisation efforts in support of CRFFN’s initiatives. He also confirmed that NPCC has prepared a detailed position paper with actionable proposals on digitisation.

“Together, we can build a logistics system that is not only efficient and transparent, but also globally competitive and fit for the future,” he concluded.

As Nigeria continues its push for trade competitiveness, forums like this signal renewed commitment among regulators and stakeholders to reimagine freight logistics through collaboration, innovation, and technology.