Senior officials of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have called on the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its management to exercise restraint in the proposed review of licensing fees for Customs agents. They also emphasized the urgent need for all stakeholders to gain full proficiency in the newly introduced B’Odogwu technology platform to ensure smooth cargo clearance operations.
Speaking in separate interviews, the Chairman of NAGAFF at Murtala Muhammed Airport Chapter, Fwdr. Udo Onyeka, and his Vice Chairman, Engr./Fwdr. Sulaimon Fatai Ayomide, urged the NCS to consider Nigeria’s current economic realities before implementing any fee adjustments. They warned that a steep increase could result in widespread loss of licenses among practitioners.
Fwdr. Onyeka cautioned that exorbitant fees might open the door for foreign entities to dominate the clearing business, sidelining Nigerian professionals. He advocated for a moderate upward review, suggesting a range between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million, which he believes would be more sustainable for local agents.
On the B’Odogwu platform, Onyeka praised the NCS for developing an indigenous solution but criticized its rushed deployment. He noted that while Customs officers have adapted quickly, other stakeholders—particularly airlines—are struggling due to inadequate training and persistent network issues. He recommended further refinement of the platform’s infrastructure to ensure reliability.
He also expressed concern over the introduction of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) charge, warning that it would increase the financial burden on importers and ultimately affect consumers through higher prices.
Vice Chairman Ayomide echoed these sentiments, stating that a sharp rise in license renewal fees could worsen unemployment in the sector. He explained that many agents may be unable to renew their licenses, leading to job losses and discouraging new entrants from joining the industry. He warned that such a move could concentrate the profession in the hands of a wealthy few, fostering touting and undermining the sector’s integrity.
Ayomide further criticized the B’Odogwu platform for its operational inefficiencies, describing it as detrimental to business and the broader economy. He proposed that B’Odogwu should run concurrently with the existing NICIS II system for at least one year, allowing for a smoother transition and system optimization.
It’s worth noting that B’Odogwu was initially deployed at the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Customs Command before being extended to other commands nationwide.
Over a week ago, in accordance with Sections 103 to 107 of the NCS Act, 2023, the Service began consultations with key stakeholders regarding the proposed license fee review. The high-level engagement included representatives from ANLCA, NAGAFF, APFFLON, and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), and was held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, August 7, 2025.