By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced consultations with stakeholders on a planned review of licensing renewal fees for Licensed Customs Agents. This move is aimed at strengthening professionalism and regulatory efficiency in the freight forwarding sector, reflecting prevailing economic realities and ensuring compliance with the Service’s requirements.
According to a press release signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs, the review seeks to promote accountability, streamline processes, and enhance the quality of service delivery in the sector.
The NCS held a high-level stakeholders’ engagement with industry players, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), at its headquarters in Abuja on August 7, 2025. This meeting marks the first in a series of consultation sessions ahead of the planned implementation.
The new licensing structure is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations. Licensed Customs Agents who comply with the new licensing structure will enjoy premium facilitation measures, including faster processing timelines, improved engagement channels with Customs officers, and enhanced integration with the Service’s upgraded digital platforms.
The NCS reassures stakeholders of its commitment to an inclusive process and notes that feedback from industry associations, individual operators, and relevant government agencies will be carefully considered before the finalization and implementation of the review. The Service reiterates its dedication to fairness, transparency, and the promotion of a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment in Nigeria.
