The federal government’s plan to increase licence renewal fees for freight forwarders and bonded terminal owners has sent shockwaves through the maritime industry.

The proposed fees, slated to take effect in January 2026, have been met with widespread criticism from stakeholders who warned that the changes could have far-reaching consequences for the economy.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs (ACC), Abdullahi Maiwada (PhD), in statement on Friday explained that the NCS in line with its statutory mandate under Sections 103 to 107 of the Service Act, 2023, and in furtherance of ongoing reforms to strengthen professionalism and regulatory efficiency in the freight forwarding sector, commenced consultations with stakeholders on a planned review of licensing renewal fees for Licensed Customs Agents.

But the Organized private sector is planning to protest the proposed hike in licencing fee, stating that it would impact negativity on indigenous practitioners, and open up window of opportunities for foreigners, especially for Chinese firms opening up offices in Nigeria under the guise of logistics companies.

Frontline importer, Alhaji Olukolu Tunde Khallil, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khallil Associate Nig Ltd, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent urged the federal government to come clean, insisting that the issue of Renewal of Agency License must be seen beyond the amount to be charged to the interest it would serve.

Citing relevant laws, he stated that the Indigenization Decree of 1972 and 1977, as well as the Nigeria Investment Act of 1995, were aimed at ensuring the security of certain sectors of businesses in Nigeria, including clearing of cargo, in the hands of Nigeria.

According to him, the government should first interrogate the upsurge of foreigners in the Customs Clearance process under the guise of logistics companies.

Founder Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) Dr. Eugene Nweke listed about 17 charges some of which include multiple scrutinizing checks points of security agencies across the Nigeria roads, the uncoordinated and unprofessional handling charges of the freight forwarder as well as the chronicle of several charges, without cost functions by the shipping lines, bonded terminal operators.

Maiwada explained that the planned hike in licencing fee was dropped during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement with executives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), at the NCS Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, 07 August 2025. This meeting marks the first in a series of consultation sessions to be held with industry players ahead of the planned implementation.

According to him, the licensing of Customs Agents remains a critical component in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s cargo clearance process, and that the planned review is intended to reflect prevailing economic realities, including the value of exchange rates, address operational demands, and ensure that only agents who meet the Service’s compliance, competence, and integrity requirements continue to operate within the system.

Freight forwarders face n10m license renewal fee

Under the proposed regulations, freight forwarders will be required to pay a license renewal fee of N10 million, a significant increase from the current fee of N515,000. This represents a staggering 1,838% hike, which many industry experts believe will be unsustainable for smaller operators.

Bonded terminal owners to pay N20m

Bonded terminal owners will face an even steeper increase, with the proposed license renewal fee jumping from N600,000 to N20 million. This represents a 33,233% increase, which has sparked concerns about the potential for terminal closures and job losses

Stakeholders express concern

The proposed fee increases have been met with widespread criticism from industry stakeholders, who warn that the changes could lead to higher costs for goods and potentially exacerbate inflation.

They said the proposed fees are outrageous and will have a devastating impact on industry.

They urge the government to reconsider these proposals and engage in meaningful consultations with industry stakeholders. (Daily Trust)