ANLCA Secures Customs Fee Hike Suspension, Sets Up NSW Training Hubs in Lagos and Onne
Kathy Kyari
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has secured a major concession from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with the suspension of a proposed 20-fold increase in customs agents’ licensing fees, even as it positions its Lagos and Onne secretariats as training centres for the National Single Window (NSW) project.
The developments were announced during ANLCA’s first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Lagos — a meeting that leadership and members alike described as marking a turning point for the association.
The suspended fee increase, announced in 2025, would have raised new licence fees from N515,000 to N10 million, while annual renewal fees were set to jump from N215,000 to N4 million.
The proposal had sparked widespread concern within the freight forwarding community, with stakeholders warning it could drive smaller operators out of business, entrench market dominance by larger firms, and ultimately fuel inflation across the trade value chain.
Confirming the suspension, ANLCA President, Mr. Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, disclosed that the association had reached a common understanding with Customs to retain the old fee structure.
The decision followed an emergency NEC meeting in Lagos, where members deliberated on the potential economic and operational consequences of the hike.
Industry watchers say the move not only eases financial pressure on agents but also underscores ANLCA’s renewed influence in policy engagement.
Lagos, Onne Named NSW Training Centres
Riding on what it described as restored stability and credibility, ANLCA also announced that its National Secretariat in Lagos and its Onne Zonal Secretariat in Rivers State would serve as training centres for members under the forthcoming National Single Window project.
In his address, Nwokeoji declared that ANLCA has “successfully reclaimed its lost image, position, and prestige during the tenure of the present NECOM,” attributing the progress to unity of purpose among members.
He stressed that peace and harmony had returned to the association, enabling stronger engagement with government agencies and maritime stakeholders.
“Today is a new dawn in the recent history of our dear Association. To God alone, we bestow all the glory,” he said.
Highlighting ANLCA’s role in operational reforms, the president cited the association’s contributions to the NCS-managed B’Odogwu platform, which he said now allows agents to monitor jobs remotely.
Urging members to embrace the next phase of reforms, he said:
“We are about to embark on further training with the National Single Window, and I encourage all members to participate in the program with utmost interest. We’ve made it possible that these trainings are taken close to our members operating in the northern and eastern parts of the country. In the same vein, we have agreed that our National Secretariat and Onne Seaport Secretariat will be centres for this exercise.”
He further assured members of NECOM’s commitment to addressing their challenges. “Be assured that we cannot rest on our oars until victory is achieved with your support,” he concluded.
ANLCA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, described the NEC meeting as a significant convergence of leaders from across zones and chapters, with strong participation from Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Calabar.
“Like you rightly observed, the atmosphere is calm, everybody is happy that we are coming together to have this meeting. Everybody is looking forward to positive deliberations and discussions that will move ANLCA forward in this important industry,” Onyeme said.
He disclosed that the meeting would inaugurate key committees, including a constitution review committee and a 70th anniversary committee, while reinforcing oversight mechanisms within the association.
“We must understand that essentially, the NEC meeting is designed to serve as check and balances to their activities in their various spheres,” he added.
On the pending Apapa Chapter election, Onyeme confirmed that the NECOM and the Board of Trustees (BoT) would address the issue. “The NECOM and BoT will address that lacuna at this meeting,” he assured.
The announcement of the training centres and the suspension of the fee hike drew enthusiastic reactions from members.
Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a delegate from Kano, said: “For the first time in years, we feel that ANLCA is truly listening to members in the northern region. The decision to bring NSW training closer to us is a welcome development. It shows inclusiveness.”
Mr. Festus Okafor from Enugu added: “The President’s words about reclaiming our lost image resonate with us. We have seen the difference in how ANLCA is now perceived by government agencies. The training will further empower us to adapt to new policies.”
From Lagos, Mr. Adewale Johnson remarked: “The NEC meeting is not just about policies; it is about restoring confidence. The Apapa election issue has lingered too long, and we are glad it will finally be addressed here.”
A Port Harcourt-based member who preferred anonymity said the inauguration of committees signalled forward planning: “The committees being inaugurated show that ANLCA is planning for the future. We are proud to be part of this new chapter.”
0 Comments