Nigerian Freight Forwarding Jobs at Risk from Foreigners

Stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime industry have raised concerns regarding the growing dominance of foreign freight operators, which threatens around 10,000 indigenous freight forwarding jobs and costs the Nigerian economy over N130 billion annually. Foreign players, including those from China, India, and Lebanon, have reportedly taken over significant portions of the freight forwarding business, adversely affecting local operators.

Customs brokers emphasize that Nigerian freight forwarders play a crucial role in assisting the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in achieving its annual revenue targets, which are estimated to be in the trillions of naira. The article highlights that in contrast to Nigeria, countries like the Republic of Benin restrict freight forwarding to their citizens, thereby creating local jobs.

Alhaji Abdulazeez Babatunde Mukaila, Managing Director of Mikky Excellency Nigeria Limited, warns that the continued foreign involvement in Nigeria's freight forwarding sector could lead to unrest if the Federal Government does not take action.