SEREC Opposes Proposed Increase in Maritime Agent Licence Fees

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, known as SEREC, has raised serious concerns over a proposed hike in the licensing fees for customs agents in Nigeria. The maritime research group believes that the increase would place a heavy burden on small and medium-sized enterprises and could have wider negative effects on the customs brokerage industry and the overall economy.

According to Mr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at SEREC, the suggested fee rise risks making it harder for smaller businesses to operate effectively in the customs clearance space. His comments were shared in a statement obtained by Sunday PUNCH on Saturday.

This issue comes on the back of reports that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intends to revise the licensing renewal fees for customs agents, with the changes expected to take effect starting January 2026. Maritime stakeholders had previously voiced their worries that the fee increase could add to inflationary pressures in the economy by driving up operational costs for traders and customs agents alike.

SEREC’s position is that while regulatory oversight is important, the fees charged must strike a delicate balance between ensuring effective supervision and encouraging competition and efficiency within the customs process. The group advocates for a more nuanced fee structure that accounts for the diversity of services and expertise within the industry.

Rather than a blanket increase, SEREC proposes a tiered licensing fee system that differentiates costs based on the type of service offered or the level of license held by the customs agents. This approach, they argue, would better support professionalism and efficiency while making it easier for smaller players to continue participating in the industry.

Mr. Nweke and his team emphasized that a significant concern is how a flat increase in fees might disproportionately impact small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which may struggle to absorb the higher costs without passing them on to their customers or reducing their business activities.

“We believe the proposed hike could escalate trading costs and make the customs clearance process more expensive, which would inevitably slow down trade facilitation and hamper economic growth,” the statement said.

Additionally, SEREC supports a licensing system where qualifications and competence play a central role. This means agents should be required to demonstrate their knowledge in key customs areas such as tariff classification, valuation, and rules of origin. Ongoing professional development and training would also be necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the license holders.

In this way, licensing reforms could serve not just as a financial hurdle but as a way to promote higher standards and better performance in the customs brokerage sector.

SEREC calls on the Nigeria Customs Service to carefully reconsider its approach to licensing reform, especially with the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in mind. The organisation urges the NCS to design policies that balance the need for regulation with the realities of running a diverse and competitive customs industry.

“We recommend a balanced and well-thought-out fee structure that supports both industry growth and regulatory effectiveness,” the group stated.

With Nigeria’s economy heavily reliant on trade, customs agents play a critical role in facilitating the movement of goods across borders. Ensuring that the licensing system supports rather than stifles these agents, particularly smaller operators, will be vital for maintaining smooth trade flows and encouraging business development.

SEREC’s stance underscores the ongoing challenges policymakers face in managing regulatory reforms that protect public interests without placing undue burdens on businesses that are essential to economic growth.

The coming months will be important as the Nigeria Customs Service finalizes its plans. Stakeholders, especially within the maritime and trading communities, will be watching closely to see whether a balanced, tiered licensing system is adopted or if the fee increase proceeds as initially proposed.

In any case, the outcome will likely shape the future of customs brokerage in Nigeria and could set the tone for how regulation balances efficiency, fairness, and economic impact going forward.