Customs to review agents’ licence renewal fees January 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a planned review of licence renewal fees for licenced customs agents from January 2026.

In a statement on Friday, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS public relations officer, said the move is in line with Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and part of ongoing reforms to strengthen professionalism and regulatory efficiency in the freight forwarding sector.

According to the statement, the NCS has begun consultations with key industry stakeholders ahead of the licencing structure.

Maiwada said the process began on Thursday with a high-level meeting at the NCS headquarters in Abuja between Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs, and executive of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).

Other executives include the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and the Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC).

The NCS spokesperson said the licencing of customs agents is a critical element in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s cargo clearance process.

He said 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 compliance, competence, and integrity standards remain in the system.

“This initiative is aimed at promoting accountability, streamlining processes, and enhancing the quality of service delivery in the sector,” the statement reads.

“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.”

‘FEEDBACK WILL BE CONSIDERED BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION’

Maiwada said agents who complied with the licencing structure will enjoy premium facilitation measures such as faster processing timelines, improved engagement channels with customs officers, and enhanced integration with upgraded digital platforms.

The NCS spokesperson said the incentive aims to promote adherence to professional standards and discourage unethical 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,” he said.

Maiwada reiterated the service’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and fostering a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment in Nigeria.