*Renewed Resilience and Recommitment: A Call to Action for Freight Forwarding Professionals*

By Lod Onyeji

In the face of global economic uncertainty, international trade disruptions, and security supply chain challenges, the freight forwarding industry remains a vital lifeline for national economies. Despite these challenges, freight forwarding practitioners, association leaders, regulatory council management, and stakeholders have demonstrated remarkable resilience in keeping ports and economies moving.

However, the industry must now recommit to delivering high-quality freight logistics services, upholding professional discipline, and adapting to emerging trends and challenges. Key areas of focus include:

- *Port Automation and Digitalization*: Embracing machine learning and artificial intelligence, and upgrading professional skills to navigate the complexities of the Nigeria Revenue Service's (NRS) new trade platform.

- *Tax Reform*: Compliance with the newly signed Tax Reform and understanding the implications for shippers and practitioners.

- *Regulatory Reform*: Establishing an informed, structured, and strategically positioned regulatory administration to drive industry growth and development.

- *African Continental Free Trade Implementation*: Freight forwarders must play a critical role in driving this process, ensuring the smooth movement of goods across borders.

- *Professional Frustration*: Addressing the impact of foreign exchange rates, currency swap policies, and supply chain security compliance on the profession.

- *High Cost of Doing Business*: Tackling excessive taxes and charges, duplicated functions, and new levies to promote regional transshipment hub objectives.

- *Efficient and Predictable Shipping and Port Sector*: Addressing inequitability in international trade terms and promoting prompt shipping operations regulations.

- *Local Content Laws*: Revisiting and reactivating local content laws to protect the profession and promote national interests.

- *Industry-Related Concerns*: Addressing various concerns and coming together as a profession to ensure sustainability and growth.

To meet these challenges, the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) is calling on freight forwarders to renew their professional resilience and recommitment to delivering quality services. By working together, sharing knowledge, and investing in ongoing training and professional development, the industry can navigate the complexities of the modern trade landscape and build a stronger, more sustainable future.