The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has retained the old license fees for freight forwarders, bringing relief to operators in the industry.

This decision came after intense lobbying by stakeholders, who had kicked against the proposed fee hike.

The proposed review, which was announced in 2025, would have seen licensing fees for new applicants jump from N515,000 to N10 million, while renewal fees would have increased from N215,000 to N4 million annually.

The decision to retain the old fees is expected to ease the financial burden on freight forwarders who said they have been grappling with the challenges of doing business in Nigeria.

According to industry stakeholders, the retention of the old fees will help to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian freight forwarders in the global market.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emenike Nwokeoji, confirmed the development at an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association held at the association’s headquarters in Festac, Lagos.

Speaking at the meeting, Emenike Nwokeoji, disclosed that discussions between the association and Customs authorities resulted in an understanding that the current fee structure would remain unchanged.

Nwokeoji told members that rather than escalate tensions, the association chose dialogue and engagement. According to him, that approach paid off, as Customs agreed to allow agents to continue renewing their licences under the existing rates.

The NEC meeting, which drew prominent figures within the association including past leaders, board members and chapter executives, focused not only on the licensing issue but also on the broader direction of the freight forwarding profession.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, urged practitioners to strengthen unity within the industry, warning that internal divisions could weaken their collective influence.

He called for professionals to assert their statutory role within the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), stressing that regulatory matters concerning freight forwarding should be guided primarily by practitioners.

Olanrewaju also highlighted ongoing reforms reshaping port and trade operations, including Customs’ B’Odogwu platform, the One Stop Shop initiative, the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Port Community System under development, and the forthcoming National Single Window project.

He urged freight forwarders to embrace digital transformation, deepen their technical competence and adopt a coordinated approach in engaging with government agencies, noting that preparedness would determine how well the profession adapts to the evolving trade environment.

Importers express relief

Meanwhile, the Nigerian import community is jubilant following the decision of customs to retain the old licensing fees, despite earlier proposals to increase them.

The NCS had initially proposed an increase in the licensing fees, but after consultations with stakeholders, it decided to maintain the status quo. This move is seen as a boost to the import sector, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

The President of ANLCA, Emenike Nwokeoji, who spoke with our correspondent on the development indeed expressed his joy and appreciation for the retained licensing fees.

He stated that the development is a significant win for the association and its members, as it allows them to maintain their operational licenses without additional financial burdens.

“By retaining the licensing fees, the association can continue to provide essential services and support to its members, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Also speaking, the President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Uche Increase, commended the NCS for its decision.

“We appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team for considering our pleas and retaining the old licensing fees,” Increase said.

“This decision will go a long way in promoting trade facilitation and reducing the cost of doing business in the country.

“The retention of the old licensing fees is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will help to reduce inflationary pressures and promote economic growth.

“With this development, importers and customs agents can now focus on their businesses without the burden of increased licensing fees,” he added.

Joy Onome Monije, Lagos based freight forwarder, also expressed a relief, stating: “We are thrilled that the Customs Service has decided to retain the old licensing fees.

“This decision will help reduce our operational costs and make us more competitive in the market.” (Daily Trust)