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The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has written to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, requesting urgent clarification over the alleged increment in agents’ licence renewal fees, new administrative directives, and limited information circulation regarding an upcoming inspection of licensed operators.
In a letter dated November 10, 2025, and referenced APFFLON/NCS/CGC/VOL5/25, the association expressed concern about “confusion and anxiety” among freight forwarders following reports of new directives issued from the office of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) A.B. Shuaibu, particularly on the revised licensing regime and planned inspection exercise.
While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its ongoing reform initiatives, APFFLON said the lack of clear and uniform communication on policy changes could undermine stakeholder confidence and disrupt operational stability within the freight forwarding community.
“Several stakeholders have expressed confusion and anxiety over unclarified directives allegedly issued from ACG A.B. Shuaibu’s office—particularly those concerning licence renewal increments and the criteria for the forthcoming inspection of licence holders,” the letter stated.
The association noted that information on these matters had not been adequately disseminated to all recognized freight forwarding associations, creating room for speculation, misinterpretation, and uncertainty across ports and border stations.
APFFLON, led by its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, urged the Customs Comptroller-General to clarify the official position of the Service regarding any approved licence or renewal fee increments, including the effective date and justification for such changes.
It also called for transparent communication on the objectives and procedures of the planned inspection exercise, to allow licensed agents prepare adequately and ensure compliance.
The group further appealed to the Customs management to strengthen communication channels with all legitimate associations and operators in line with its commitment to inclusiveness, transparency, and professionalism.
“We appeal that all such reforms be implemented with fairness, adequate consultation, and transparent communication to avoid misinformation and unnecessary tension among practitioners,” the letter added.
Ogunojemite reaffirmed APFFLON’s support for the modernization drive of the Nigeria Customs Service and the ongoing reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation, compliance, and professionalism.
He, however, stressed that reforms must be executed in a coordinated and transparent manner that protects the interests of licensed practitioners and sustains confidence in Customs’ regulatory framework.
The association urged the Comptroller-General to intervene promptly to provide clarity on the contested directives and restore order within the freight forwarding community.
By seeking official clarification, APFFLON said it hopes to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that Customs reforms continue to align with Nigeria’s broader trade facilitation and ease of doing business objectives.
