Maritime stakeholders at war over N20m licence renewal fees

Maritime stakeholders are in disagreement over the proposed N20 million license renewal fees set to take effect in January 2026. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) defended the fee increase as part of ongoing reforms to enhance professionalism in the freight forwarding sector.

However, licensed customs agents and private sector groups have criticized the hike, warning of negative impacts on indigenous practitioners and the economy. Alhaji Olukolu Tunde Khallil, CEO of Khallil Associate Nig Ltd, urged the government to consider the implications beyond the amount charged, citing laws aimed at protecting certain sectors of the economy.

The planned fee increase has sparked concerns about potential job losses and terminal closures, with industry experts calling for meaningful consultations and a reconsideration of the proposal to avoid exacerbating inflation and harming the industry.