Abuja, Oct. 29, 2025 (NAN) The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has urged Nigeria to strengthen regional ties to unlock the benefits of the International Freight Forwarding Association (FIATA).
SEREC’s Head of Research, Mr Eugene Nweke, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He suggested that Nigeria should collaborate with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and other West African countries to collectively advocate within FIATA on regional corridor issues, such as the Lagos–Abidjan corridor and ECOWAS protocols.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that membership in FIATA offers global recognition, advocacy on trade and transport issues, access to professional training, and opportunities for networking and business growth in the logistics industry.
Nweke said Nigeria could leverage Ghana’s presence on FIATA’s board to jointly propose West African logistics initiatives, regional conferences, and training hubs.
“Given the election of Stephen Adjokatcher from Ghana to FIATA’s Extended Board, Nigeria can use that as both a spur and a model,” he said.
He expressed concern that Nigeria had not held any top leadership positions in FIATA, such as Vice President on the Extended Board or Chair of a regional body, which limits its direct influence in decision-making.
According to him, without leadership presence, Nigeria’s priorities may not receive sufficient attention on FIATA’s global agenda.
He called for a clear delineation of roles between the principal regulatory body for freight forwarding in Nigeria, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the various freight forwarding associations.
This, he said, would galvanise efforts to present a singular, credible national voice internationally.
For Nigeria to become more effective in FIATA, Nweke said it should ensure full compliance and active membership by confirming its status through the payment of dues and submission of up-to-date reports.
This, he explained, would help the country maintain its full rights within the organisation and avoid any risk of delisting.
“Make sure the national body participates actively in FIATA’s committees, working groups, events, and conferences.
“Encourage more member companies to register as FIATA Individual Members (adding to those already registered) and actively participate.
“Leverage FIATA’s technical resources and knowledge through adopting FIATA’s recommended standards, best practices, and digital tools such as FIATA Docs, E-freight, and legal templates in Nigeria’s freight forwarding community.
“Use FIATA training programmes and certification to upgrade the skills of practitioners and use FIATA’s voice and standing to lobby the government (customs, ports, trade) for reforms — ease of clearance, harmonisation with international practice, and reduction of barriers,” he said.
Nweke said Nigeria should boost its presence and reputation by bidding to host FIATA regional meetings, conferences, and workshops in the country, positioning itself as a West African hub to increase its visibility and profile.
He further advised Nigeria to publicise its successes, case studies, reforms, and improvement stories in the freight forwarding and logistics sector through international media and FIATA platforms.
According to him, if Nigeria meaningfully steps up its engagement in FIATA, the likely outcomes will include greater influence on global policy, allowing the country to push Africa’s and West Africa’s priorities in international forums.
He added that Nigeria could also benefit from access to capacity building, technical support, adoption of international standards, training, and digital tools.
He said this could attract partnerships and funding from international development agencies while positioning Nigeria as a credible partner and enhancing the competitiveness of its freight forwarding and logistics firms. (NAN)
