CRFFN, MWUN partner to boost workers’ welfare, drive reforms

From Bimbola Oyesola, Geneva, Switzerland

In a move aimed at strengthening industrial harmony and accelerating reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have pledged to deepen institutional collaboration and improve the welfare of workers across the industry.

The commitment was made when the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, FCILT, received the President-General of MWUN, Francis Bunu, alongside members of the union’s Executive Council during a courtesy visit to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.

The high-level engagement brought together officials of both organisations to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation, advancing sectoral reforms and addressing critical issues affecting workers within the freight forwarding and maritime value chain.

Speaking during the meeting, Igwe said the Council remained committed to transforming the freight forwarding industry through innovation, professionalism and stakeholder engagement.

According to him, CRFFN has recorded significant progress in key areas, including digital transformation and process automation, licensing and registration of freight forwarders, capacity-building programmes and dispute resolution mechanisms designed to improve efficiency and industry standards.

“We are focused on building a modern, efficient and professionally regulated freight forwarding sector that supports national economic growth while also creating opportunities for workers to thrive,” Igwe said.

A major highlight of the discussions was the welfare of staff, with both parties examining issues relating to salary increments, improved conditions of service and enhanced welfare packages for employees.

Participants also explored ways to strengthen labour-management relations and ensure that ongoing reforms translate into tangible benefits for workers and stakeholders in the maritime industry.

In his remarks, MWUN President-General Francis Bunu commended the CRFFN management for what he described as bold and reform-driven initiatives aimed at repositioning the freight forwarding sector.

“The reforms being implemented by the Council are commendable and have the potential to strengthen professionalism, improve service delivery and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry,” Bunu stated.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote trade facilitation, industrial peace and sustainable growth within the maritime sector, stressing that workers’ welfare must remain a central pillar of industry development.

The meeting ended with both CRFFN and MWUN reaffirming their resolve to sustain collaboration, strengthen mutual trust and work collectively towards a more productive maritime industry, improved working conditions and greater prosperity for maritime workers across the country.