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Trade & mobilityLogisticsNigeria

License a freight-forwarding / clearing agent (CRFFN)

License a clearing & forwarding business: incorporate → register with CRFFN → obtain a Customs Agent licence → register with the NPA.

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
4agencies
Category
Trade & mobilityLogistics
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

Apply onlineOpen the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) application serviceCorporate Affairs Commission (CAC) · crffn.gov.ngRequirementsRead the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) service pageCorporate Affairs Commission (CAC) · cac.gov.ngApply onlineOpen the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) application serviceNigeria Customs Service (NCS) · licences.customs.gov.ngRequirementsRead the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) service pageNigerian Ports Authority (NPA) · nigerianports.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Incorporate the company

    Agency
    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
    What is required
    Register a clearing & forwarding company (minimum ₦1,000,000 share capital).
    Documents
    Certificate of Incorporation; MEMART
    Typical timeline
    See CAC procedure
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    Register with CRFFN

    Agency
    Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)
    What is required
    Register and obtain professional certification under the CRFFN Act 2007; complete required training. Membership of an accredited association (e.g. NAGAFF, ANLCA) may also be required.
    Documents
    CRFFN registration; training/certification
    Typical timeline
    Registration stage
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Obtain a Customs Agent licence

    Agency
    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
    What is required
    Obtain the Customs Agent licence required to clear goods.
    Documents
    Company docs; CRFFN evidence
    Typical timeline
    Application stage
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    Register with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

    Agency
    Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
    What is required
    Register as a clearing & forwarding agent with the NPA. Fee ₦200,000 (annual renewal ₦100,000).
    Documents
    CIC; MEMART; bank reference; 3-yr Tax Clearance; CRFFN & Customs evidence
    Typical timeline
    On registration
    Use for this step
Trade & mobility
AviationObtain an Air Operator Certificate (airline)AviationObtain an aviation ground-handling licence (NCAA)AviationRegister a drone / obtain an RPAS permit (NCAA)LogisticsObtain a courier/logistics licence (NIPOST)MaritimeRegister a ship / vessel (NIMASA)TradeExport goods from Nigeria