EXCLUSIVE: Customs Proposes N10million Licensing Fees for Clearing Agents, Bonded Terminals N20million, Ship Chandlers N2Million
Nigerian Customs Comptroller-General, Wale Adeniyi
—Bank Bonds for Bonded Terminals Increases from N50,000 to N500Million
By DAPO OLAWUNI
Fresh indications have emerged that the Nigeria Customs Service is proposing to increase the price of issuing clearing agents licenses to N10million from the previous rate of N515,000, bonded terminals rate increases from N60,000 to N20million and ship chandlers from N515.00 to N2million.
A copy of the proposed rates obtained exclusively by DAILY TREND shows that the service is also proposing the renewal rates for clearing licenses at N4million, bonded terminals at N10million and ship chandlers license renewal for N1million.
In the same vein, the Service is proposing to increase the bank bonds for clearing agents from N315,000 to N20million, bonded terminals from N50,000 to N500million and ship chandlers from N350,000 to N2million.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi had on Thursday convened a meeting of stakeholders at the Customs headquarters in Abuja where the new rates were announced to them.
Our correspondent gathered that, following a presentation of the new rates by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Tariffs and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, representatives from various associations agreed to take the matter back to their respective organisations for further discussion.
Sources at the meeting informed our correspondent that the prorposal was however rejected on presentation.
The CGC subsequently adjourned the discussion to give stakeholders time to consider the proposals and promised to reconvene in two weeks.
In a chat with DAILY TREND on the proposed increment, President of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON) expressed pessimistic about clearing agents getting the best out of the negotiation because they are not united currently.
“I doubt if we can get the best negotiation with the Customs on this proposed rates. This is because the freight forwarding associations are not united and not speaking in one voice. At this rate, everyone would go back to that meeting in two weeks time with different positions and the customs would win because the federal government seriously needs money.
“This is where i am expecting the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Emenike Nwokeoji to show leadership by convening a meeting of all associations, let us come together to discuss, analyse and put forward a united position on this matter. But as it is, they are not even ready to associate with us. So, at the end of the day, some associations would end up supporting the customs on the proposals” he said
Meanwhile, in press statement issued on Friday, the Service said 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.
“This initiative is aimed at promoting accountability, streamlining processes, and enhancing the quality of service delivery in the sector.
“The Service emphasises that the review forms part of broader modernisation efforts targeted at repositioning the NCS to meet the evolving needs of international trade and border management. It is expected to create a more transparent, predictable, and efficient licensing regime that will ultimately benefit legitimate operators and the trading public. The new licensing structure is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations.
“Furthermore, Licensed Customs Agents who comply with the new licensing structure will enjoy access to premium facilitation measures, including faster processing timelines, improved engagement channels with Customs officers, and enhanced integration with the Service’s upgraded digital platforms. This compliance-driven incentive is designed to encourage adherence to professional standards while discouraging sharp practices.
“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 finalisation 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” the statement read
The Nigeria customs is not serious, they should focus on how to reposition clearing of goods seamlessly not increasing levies any how. There proposals is dead on arrival
This is heartless and greedyness act against innocent Nigerians marketers.
With the escalating cost on vehicle clearing at the ports without any comensurate ease, these heartless people are still proposing this outrageous fees. Nigerians will finally say goodbye to imported goods such as used cars.. They will end up collecting all these taxes without remiting all to the government .
This is going to hit everybody cost of living is going to skyrocketed ,govt.should have second thoughts about this.
They have to go back to the House of Representatives to get this done in a legislative manner otherwise it will be challenged in court. The NCS has no arbitrary power to determine Agency licenses fees without due process. And this will shot out a lot of promising young entrepreneurs who are willing to take this profession to next level. It is our practicing license as applicable with other profession but regulated by govt.
This will only make foreigners to take absolute control or our local agencies which is already happening through back doors of NCS