How to Become a Clearing and Forwarding Agent in Nigeria: A Complete Guide

A clearing and forwarding agent is a professional who helps businesses to import and export goods. Clearing and forwarding agents are responsible for handling the customs clearance process, which involves preparing and submitting all of the necessary documentation to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). They also arrange for the transportation of goods to and from the port or airport.

Why Become a Clearing and Forwarding Agent in Nigeria?

There are many benefits to becoming a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. First, Nigeria is a major import and export hub, so there is a high demand for clearing and forwarding services. Second, clearing and forwarding agents can earn a good salary, especially those with experience and expertise. Third, clearing and forwarding agents play a vital role in the Nigerian economy, and they can take pride in helping businesses to import and export goods efficiently and effectively.

Requirements to Become a Clearing and Forwarding Agent in Nigeria

There are no specific educational qualifications required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates with a degree in a related field, such as business administration, international trade, or logistics.

There are also no professional certifications required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. However, there are a few certifications that can be beneficial, such as the Certified Customs Broker (CCB) certification offered by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

In addition to the educational and professional qualifications listed above, there are a few other requirements that you must meet in order to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. These requirements include:

  • Nigerian citizenship or residency: You must be a Nigerian citizen or resident in order to obtain a customs agent license.
  • Good financial standing: You must have a good financial standing in order to be approved for a customs agent license.
  • Clean criminal record: You must have a clean criminal record in order to be approved for a customs agent license.

Steps to Become a Clearing and Forwarding Agent in Nigeria

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To become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria, you need to follow these steps:

1. Register Your Business: You must first register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). You can do this online or by visiting a CAC office in person.

2. Obtain a Customs Agent License: You need to obtain a customs agent license from the NCS. To do this, you need to submit an application form along with the following documents:

  • Certificate of business registration
  • Tax clearance certificate
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Evidence of professional qualifications (if any)

3. Obtain a Nigeria Ports Authority Permit: You also need to obtain a permit from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). To do this, you need to submit an application form along with the following documents:

  • Evidence (Certificate) of company registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
    Bank Reference
  • 3-year Tax Clearance Certificate
  • Proof of registration with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in the form of a CRFFN registration number
  • Payment of N200, 000 registration fee via remote payable to NPA revenue account.
  • Registration fee: ₦200,000 payable to the NPA revenue account.
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4. Join the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN): It is not mandatory to join the CRFFN, but it is highly recommended. The CRFFN is the professional body for clearing and forwarding agents in Nigeria, and it offers a number of benefits to its members, including training, networking opportunities, and support.

5. Network with Other Clearing and Forwarding Agents: Networking with other clearing and forwarding agents is a great way to learn from their experience and build relationships that can be beneficial to your business.

6. Build a Strong Reputation: It is important to build a strong reputation as a reliable and trustworthy clearing and forwarding agent. This can be done by providing excellent customer service and meeting your commitments.

How to Register with the CRFFN

Regarding clearing and freight forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN is the agency in charge of establishing the regulations.

The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act No. 16 of 2007 (CRFFN Act) was signed into law on April 30, 2007, providing legal authority for the organization’s formation.

You can register as either an individual or a corporate organization.

To legally operate as a clearing and forwarding agent, you must first receive the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities.

That way, you won’t have to worry about undue interference from associations or authorities when running your firm.

You’ll need the following necessary documents to register your business:

  • Curriculum Vitae of the Company’s Top Executives
  • Curriculum Vitae of the Company’s Chief Operating Officer
  • Curriculum vitae of all Company Directors
  • CRFFN Payment confirmation received from the portal
  • A payment confirmation slip from the bank teller is used to submit the application fee
  • A profile of the firm with a known operational location in Nigeria
  • Company Registration documents (original and CTC) and Memorandum and Articles of Association (original and CTC)
  • Name of Insurance Provider
  • Number of the insurance company
  • Original and Authenticated Copy of CAC (Form CO2)
  • Profiles of the Board of Directors
  • CAC Annual Reports
  • Copy of the company’s Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) and its Original (if Available)
  • Bank Verification Number

Registration Fee for CRFFN Licence

  • Total registration costs ₦22,600, which is broken down as follows:
  • Cost of applying: ₦5,000
  • Cost of registration: ₦7,500
  • Cost of a Single Year’s Subscription: ₦10000
  • The cost of verifying a BVN is ₦100.

Your first stop should be the CAC site, from which you can apply for and get your CRFFN certificate.

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The renewal charge for a CRFFN certificate is ₦100,000.

The certificate is valid for one (1) year.

This page contains further details about registration.

Tips for Success as a Clearing and Forwarding Agent in Nigeria

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Here are some tips for success as a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria:

  • Stay up-to-date on customs regulations: Customs regulations are constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements. You can do this by reading the NCS website, attending industry events, and joining professional organizations such as the CRFFN.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Your customers should be your top priority. Be responsive to their needs and keep them informed of the status of their shipments at all times.
  • Be honest and reliable: Honesty and reliability are essential qualities for any clearing and forwarding agent. Always be truthful with your customers and meet your commitments.
  • Be competitive in your pricing: There is a lot of competition in the clearing and forwarding industry, so it is important to be competitive in your pricing. However, do not sacrifice quality for price.
  • Build a strong team: Surround yourself with experienced and qualified professionals who can help you to provide your customers with the best possible service.

Conclusion

Becoming a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria can be a rewarding career. However, it is important to understand the requirements and challenges involved. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success in this field.

FAQs

What are the benefits of becoming a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria?

There are many benefits to becoming a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria, including:

  • High demand: Nigeria is a major import and export hub, so there is a high demand for clearing and forwarding services.
  • Good earning potential: Clearing and forwarding agents can earn a good salary, especially those with experience and expertise.
  • Job satisfaction: Clearing and forwarding agents play a vital role in the Nigerian economy, and they can take pride in helping businesses to import and export goods efficiently and effectively.

What are the educational qualifications required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria?

There are no specific educational qualifications required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates with a degree in a related field, such as business administration, international trade, or logistics.

What professional certifications are required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria?

There are no professional certifications required to become a clearing and forwarding agent in Nigeria. However, there are a few certifications that can be beneficial, such as the Certified Customs Broker (CCB) certification offered by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).