Shippers in Nigeria are set to pay a standardised freight forwarding service charge of 12.5%, following the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria’s (CRFFN) overhaul of the country’s cargo clearance cost structure.
Currently, freight forwarding fees vary widely, ranging from 8% to 22% of total transaction costs, with some operators imposing irregular or unpredictable charges. This inconsistency has often left freight forwarders absorbing losses after settling shipping lines, terminal operators, and customs duties.
The Registrar of CRFFN, Kingsley Igwe, disclosed that the new mandatory, standardised freight service charge regime is expected to take effect before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The benchmark 12.5% rate was set after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and comparative studies of logistics pricing models in other countries, where freight charges are clearly defined and regulated. CRFFN also reviewed Nigerian pricing structures, bills of lading, and practices of logistics companies operating structured service charge models.
“In many cases, after paying shipping lines, terminal operators, and customs duties, freight forwarders are left with nothing from the service charge. That is unfortunate, and it must stop,” Igwe said.
The move aims to introduce transparency and predictability in freight forwarding charges, reduce disputes at ports, and eliminate hidden or informal fees that inflate logistics costs. The initiative has also received backing from the government, following consultations with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Under the new framework, charges will be automatically computed through a digital platform based on declared cargo and transaction details. This system will allow shippers full visibility of fees while protecting freight forwarders from allegations of concealment or regulatory suspicion.
The platform will also enable operators to track revenue, forecast earnings, and plan their businesses more effectively, while ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s evolving tax framework.
CRFFN expects the system to be fully rolled out before the end of Q1 2026, pending final alignment with relevant government authorities.
