APFFLON urges Customs to extend licence renewal

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has urged the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to extend renewal of customs licences from one year to two years.

The association maintained that the extension poses a lot of significant benefits that would add more values to the various trade facilitation innovations introduced by the Nigeria Customs and also to the national economy.

Interacting with PortNews in Lagos yesterday, the National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, called for the extension and commended the Comptroller General of Customs,  Adewale Adeniyi, over the innovations, including B’Odogwu, designed to boost trade facilitation in Nigerian ports and borders.

Ogunojemite said the extension would decrease the administrative burden on businesses and the Service, simplify compliance and promote efficiency.

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to consider extending the renewal of customs clearing license from one year to two years,” he said.

The benefits of the extension, as listed by Ogunojemite, are:
Reduced Administrative Burden
Less frequent renewals: Reducing the frequency of license renewals from one year to two years could decrease the administrative burden on businesses and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Simplified compliance: A longer license period could simplify compliance procedures, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.

Increased Efficiency
Improved planning: A two-year license period could enable businesses to plan more effectively, making it easier to manage logistics and supply chains.

Enhanced predictability: A longer license period could provide greater predictability for businesses, allowing them to make more informed decisions.

Cost Savings
Reduced renewal costs: Extending the license period could reduce the costs associated with frequent renewals, such as application fees and documentation costs.
Lower compliance costs: A longer license period could also lower compliance costs, as businesses would need to devote fewer resources to ensuring ongoing compliance.

Enhanced Security
Improved risk assessment: A two-year license period could allow for more thorough risk assessments, enabling the Nigeria Customs Service to better identify and mitigate potential security risks.

Enhanced monitoring: A longer licence period could facilitate more effective monitoring of businesses, enabling the Nigeria Customs Service to detect and respond to potential security threats more effectively.