The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that a new licensing fee structure for customs agents will take effect in January 2026, following a series of stakeholder consultations currently underway.
This development was disclosed by Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, during a high-level meeting with representatives of key industry associations in Abuja. Among those present were executives from 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 the Customs Consultative Committee.
The move, according to Maiwada, aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (Sections 103–107), and is part of broader reform efforts aimed at enhancing professionalism, regulatory oversight, and efficiency within the freight forwarding and cargo clearance sector.
He emphasized that the licensing system remains a vital mechanism in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s trade and cargo clearance processes. The fee review will account for current economic conditions, such as exchange rate fluctuations and operational demands, while reinforcing compliance, integrity, and competence across the board.
Maiwada stated that agents who meet the compliance standards under the revised structure will benefit from premium facilitation, including faster processing, better engagement with customs officers, and integration into upgraded digital platforms. He noted that these incentives are designed to reward transparency and discourage unethical practices.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated that input from freight operators, industry associations, and government stakeholders will be considered before the final structure is unveiled. The NCS assured the trading community of its commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and the creation of a secure and competitive trade environment.
The January 2026 rollout date allows time for thorough consultation and policy refinement, making way for a more predictable and efficient licensing framework that benefits both operators and regulators in Nigeria’s growing international trade landscape.
