The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has filed an appeal against the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos, on the 26th of May 2025 in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/765/2018 which was initiated by the National Council of Managing Directors Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), stating that the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) remains mandatory at the ports.
In a statement signed at the weekend by the Registrar/CEO of the CRFFN, Kingsley Igwe, the CRFFN directed terminal operators to continue the enforcement and collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) in collaboration with the Council as previously directed.
The statement which was directed to all terminal operators et all stated that, “The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) refers to our earlier correspondence dated 10th July, 2025, regarding the continued enforcement of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) in line with our statutory responsibilities.
“We write to formally inform you that the Council has filed a Notice of Appeal against the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Lagos, on 26th May 2025 in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/765/2018 – REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MANAGING DIRECTORS OF LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS (NCMDLCA) V. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION & 3 ORS.
“For your reference and records, kindly find attached the following documents:
“A copy of the Notice of Appeal filed by the CRFFN.
“Proof of service of the Notice of Appeal on the Plaintiff (NCMDLCA)
“IIn accordance with established legal principles, the filing of a Notice of Appeal Operates as an automatic stay of execution of the judgment, pending the outcome of the appeal. As such, the legal and regulatory status of CRFFN, including its mandate to collect the POF, remains valid and enforceable.
“You are hereby required to continue the enforcement and collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) in collaboration with the Council as previously directed.
“We also urge all industry stakeholders to maintain full compliance with CRFFN regulations, pending the final resolution of the matter by the courts.
“The Council deeply appreciates your continued cooperation and support in promoting professionalism, accountability, and regulatory integrity in the freight forwarding sector.”
