Foreign Domination Of Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage, Logistics Worrisome, CRFFN

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - July 28, 2026: The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN has expressed worry over the takeover of local logistics, freight forwarding and Customs brokerage jobs by foreigners, even as it plans to prioritise Nigerian operators in new licensing rules as well as leveraging the National Single Window to phase out unqualified foreign entities. 

Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN.

The Registrar of the Council, Kingsley Igwe, who made this known in an exclusive interview with Harboursandport.com while addressing concerns about Chinese, Lebanese, Indian and others nationals engaging in clearing operations.

Igwe noted that the heavy presence of foreign nationals handling clearing and forwarding jobs is a major problem for local practitioners. He stated that the Council has fully identified this alarming trend and integrated countermeasures into its updated regulatory frameworks.

A core part of this new strategy involves a complete overhaul of the licensing process. The Registrar explained that priority is now strictly given to indigenous Nigerian operators before any regulatory license is issued.

This current stance marks a sharp departure from past practices where such native preferences did not exist. Igwe emphasized that the Council has already commenced this proactive licensing approach to safeguard local jobs.

Furthermore, the integration of operators into the National Single Window, NSW platform serves as another vital enforcement tool. 

Although this digital onboarding process may prove difficult at first, it will eventually weed out unqualified foreign entities.

However, Igwe clarified that certain foreign operations will still be permitted under strict and specific criteria. Foreign firms may qualify if they introduce high-technology services that local operators lack the financial muscle to execute.

Another valid exception requires massive capital investment comparable to port terminal concessions. Foreign players wanting to operate in the sector must prove they possess the immense financial capacity needed for high-level industry contributions.

To run a fully integrated freight forwarding business involving haulage, warehousing, and Customs brokerage, an investor needs between N8 billion and N10 billion, the Council boss said.

Igwe pointed out that a single used truck capable of carrying a 40-foot container costs at least N200 million. He stressed that the CRFFN remains committed to balancing high-end capital requirements with the protection of the domestic market. 

By enforcing these clear thresholds, the Council aims to empower qualified Nigerians while regulating necessary foreign investments.