The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has issued a strong circular prohibiting all unauthorised compulsory levies imposed by associations, trade unions, professional bodies, task forces or private organisations on cargo moving through Nigerian airports, seaports and land borders.
The circular, referenced CRFFN/RCEO/REG/261028/Vol.1 and dated 28 October 2026, was signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Kingsley Igwe . It is addressed to government agencies, freight forwarding associations, trade unions, port-based organisations, freight forwarding companies, importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal operators, cargo handlers, logistics operators and all port users.
Igwe stated that no association, trade union, professional body, task force, private organisation or other non-statutory group may unilaterally impose, demand, collect or enforce compulsory dues, fees, levies, practising fees, access charges or similar payments on import or export cargo. Payment of such charges must not be made a condition for cargo examination, clearance, release, handling, movement or evacuation, except where the charge is expressly authorised by applicable law.
According to him, any cargo-linked charge collected without the requisite legal authority is declared unauthorised and prohibited. Persons or organisations found demanding, collecting or enforcing such charges face investigation and possible prosecution by competent authorities.
The circular grounds the prohibition in several statutes and constitutional provisions: The Nigerian Ports Authority Act, which governs lawful port dues, rates and charges.
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act, particularly Sections 4(c), 4(d), 4(e), 4(f) and 25, which empower CRFFN to regulate freight forwarding practice and licensing but do not grant associations the power to impose compulsory cargo charges.
Applicable port economic and tariff regulation frameworks requiring regulatory approval for relevant charges.
The Ports (Related Offences, Etc.) Act, which may apply where unauthorised collections involve obstruction or interference with lawful port operations.
Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which protects the right to peaceful assembly and association but does not authorise associations to compel payment of unauthorised cargo-linked levies.
Igwe emphasised that no private demand, internal resolution or long-standing industry practice can, by itself, confer legal authority to impose compulsory cargo levies.
The CRFFN CEO carefully distinguished prohibited levies from legitimate payments. He said it does not ban: Statutory dues and charges lawfully imposed by competent public authorities.
Charges arising from valid contracts for services actually provided.Properly established membership subscriptions payable by members of an association in accordance with its lawful rules.
However, these legitimate payments must not be used as cover for compulsory cargo-based levies on importers, exporters, freight forwarders or other port users. Association registration, an internal resolution, a receipt, official letterhead or industry practice alone does not create legal authority for such charges.
Also, all associations, unions, professional bodies and organisations operating in or around Nigerian ports are directed to immediately stop imposing or collecting any compulsory cargo-linked charge lacking lawful authority at seaports, airports, land borders, inland dry ports, free zones and inland logistics corridors, stop making payment of unauthorised levies a condition for cargo clearance, documentation, release, access, handling, movement or evacuation,
refrain from using threats, intimidation, obstruction, checkpoints, denial of access or interference with port operations to compel payment, ensure every charge demanded has an identifiable legal or contractual basis, relates to a legitimate service where applicable, and is paid through an authorised channel, cooperate fully with regulatory, port and law-enforcement authorities investigating complaints.
Igwe stressed that issuing a receipt or using official letterhead does not legitimise an otherwise unauthorised charge adding that port users who encounter suspected unauthorised cargo levies are encouraged to report them directly to CRFFN via WhatsApp. Stakeholders should add the number +234 811 370 0000 to their contacts, type “hi” and follow the interactive prompts.
He announced that complaints should, where possible, include the amount demanded or collected, date and location of the incident, identity of the persons or organisation involved, payment instructions, receipts, correspondence, photographs and video recordings.
Upon receiving a complaint, CRFFN will verify the legal basis of the charge, preserve evidence, take action within its statutory powers and refer suspected criminal conduct to the appropriate enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Any prosecution will be based on an identifiable offence under applicable law and sufficient admissible evidence, with due process observed.
The circular applies to all categories of import and export cargo , liquid, dry bulk, containerised and uncontainerised , handled through Nigerian ports, subject to the existing legal and regulatory framework.
Igwe stated that the objective is to promote lawful and efficient freight forwarding operations, reduce avoidable transaction costs, prevent rent-seeking, and protect freight forwarders and port users from arbitrary demands.
He said all stakeholders are required to comply strictly. Any organisation or person continuing to impose or enforce unauthorised compulsory cargo levies may face appropriate regulatory or enforcement action.
The circular concludes with a clear advisory that all concerned are to take immediate notice and ensure full compliance.
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