Customs Service Halts License Fee Increase for Agents

The Nigerian Customs Service has suspended its plan to raise customs agents' license fees, which would have increased from ₦215,000 to ₦515,000 for new licenses and from ₦4 million to ₦10 million for annual renewals. This decision was made after consultations with industry leaders, including Emenik Nwokeoji, the president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), who emphasized the need to maintain the existing rates to ease tensions in the sector.

The suspension allows agents to continue renewing their licenses at the old rates. Hakeem Olanrewaju, chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee, urged members to adopt digital trade tools to enhance operational efficiency.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of structural reforms and the need for local practitioners to collaborate in a competitive environment. Key figures from ANLCA, including former president Olayiwola Shittu and board chairman Taiwo Mustapha, attended the meeting, which aimed to address the challenges faced by the industry.