Agents Urge Legislation for Indigenous Freight Forwarding

Licensed agents in Nigeria have called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate legislation that would reserve critical aspects of the freight forwarding and customs brokerage business for indigenous operators. Kayode Farinto, a former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, presented this position during a House of Representatives Breakfast Session aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic development through legislative reforms.

Farinto warned that the increasing dominance of foreign firms threatens employment, encourages capital flight, and poses national security risks. He emphasized that customs brokerage and freight forwarding should be protected due to their strategic importance.

Farinto proposed either enacting a new law specifically for indigenous freight forwarding or expanding local content legislation to include customs brokerage. He stated that such legislation would stimulate local participation, create jobs, and retain wealth within Nigeria.

He also highlighted concerns regarding national security due to foreign operators having access to sensitive cargo information.