The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has called on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clarify details surrounding a proposed increase in agents’ license renewal fees and the recently commenced inspection of licensed agencies, warning that the lack of clear communication is creating confusion among industry stakeholders.
In a letter dated November 10, 2025, and signed by the association’s president, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, APFFLON expressed concern over what it described as inadequate dissemination of critical information on Customs’ activities to freight forwarding associations and licensed operators.
The letter, with reference number APFFLON/NCS/CGC/VOL5/25, stated that many stakeholders have become anxious over “unclarified directives” allegedly issued from the office of Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) A.B. Shuaibu, particularly those relating to license renewal increments and inspection criteria.
“Several stakeholders have expressed confusion and anxiety over unclarified directives allegedly issued from ACG A.B. Shuaibu’s office — particularly those concerning license renewal increments and the criteria for the forthcoming inspection of license holders”, the letter read.
“We have further observed that information on these matters has not been adequately circulated to all recognised associations and licensed operators, thereby creating room for speculation, misinterpretation, and operational uncertainty among stakeholders”.
Ogunojemite urged the Customs Service to issue an official clarification on any approved changes to license and renewal fees, including the effective date and justification for the proposed adjustments.
He further called for transparent communication on the planned inspection exercise, outlining its objectives, procedures, and evaluation standards, to ensure licensed agents are adequately prepared and compliant.
The APFFLON President also advised the NCS to improve its information-sharing structure so that all recognised associations and legitimate license holders receive official updates directly from the Service, in line with the Comptroller General’s commitment to inclusiveness and transparency.
Additionally, Ogunojemite urged the Customs leadership to reaffirm uniformity in policy implementation across commands, warning that conflicting directives or unauthorised actions by subordinate officers could disrupt operations within the freight forwarding sector.
APFFLON maintained that open communication and consistent policy direction between the NCS and freight forwarding stakeholders are essential for building trust, ensuring compliance, and fostering a more efficient logistics environment in Nigeria.