Customs Begins Inspection of Clearing Agents, Bonded Terminals, Keeps Mum on Licensing Fee Hike

The Nigeria Customs Service has said it is embarking on inspection of licensed customs agents and bonded terminals to ascertain their level of operation before renewal of their licenses for year 2026, even as it has kept mum on its earlier proposal to hike licensing fees of the operators.

According to a letter dated 3rd of November, addressed to the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) sighted by DAILY TREND, the inspection exercise is expected to commence from Monday 17th November to Friday 5th December 2025 for Zone A,and Monday 17th November through Friday 28th November 2025 for Zone B and
Zone C respectively.

Recall that the Customs recently revealed its intentions to increase clearing agents licenses fees from N515,000 to N10million for fresh issuance and N215,000 to N4million for renewal.
Our correspondent gathered that after the last meeting the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced the proposal, the service is yet to call the stakeholders for a follow-up meeting.
The operators expressed fears that the customs might go ahead to implement the increments in licensing fees.

In the letter signed by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, AB Shuaibu for the CGC, the service said “In furtherance of the Comptroller General’s approval for the inspection of Customs Licensed Agencies & Bonded
Terminals/Warehouses operating under Zone A (South-West), Zone
B (North-Central /North-West), and Zone C (South-South /South-
East) axis of the country”

“The exercise is slated to commence from
Monday 17 November -Friday 05 December 2025 for Zone A,and
Monday 17 November -Friday 28 November 2025 for Zone B and
Zone C respectively.

“You are required to notify all Customs Licensed Agencies/Bonded Terminals/Warehouses under your Association
accordingly.
While soliciting for your maximum co-operation, accept the Comptroller-General of Customs esteemed regards”