CRFFN Prohibits Unauthorised Cargo Levies at Nigerian Ports, Airports, Land Borders

The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN has prohibited trade unions, freight forwarding associations and other non-statutory organisations from imposing or collecting unauthorised compulsory levies on cargo imported into or exported through Nigerian ports, airports and land borders.

The directive, contained in a circular dated October 28, 2026, and signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of CRFFN, Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi, warns that organisations must not impose compulsory dues, fees, practising charges, access fees or similar payments on cargo without express legal authority.

The Council said no association, professional body, task force, private organisation or other non-statutory group should make payment of such levies a condition for cargo examination, clearance, release, handling, movement or evacuation.

It warned that any cargo-related charge imposed or collected without the requisite legal authority would be considered unauthorised and prohibited, adding that suspected offenders could face investigation and prosecution where evidence establishes an offence under applicable law.

According to the circular, compulsory public charges and regulated port tariffs must be backed by law or other valid legal authority, stressing that private demands, internal resolutions or long-standing industry practices cannot independently confer the power to impose compulsory cargo levies.

The CRFFN cited relevant provisions of the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act, applicable port economic and tariff regulations, the Ports (Related Offences, Etc.) Act and the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in outlining the legal framework governing the prohibition.

It explained that while Section 40 of the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly and association, the provision does not authorise associations to compel members or non-members to pay unauthorised cargo-related levies.

The Council, however, clarified that the directive does not prohibit statutory dues imposed by competent public authorities, approved port and terminal tariffs, lawful service charges arising from valid contracts or properly established membership subscriptions payable by association members.

It stressed that these legitimate payments must not be used as justification for imposing compulsory cargo-based charges on importers, exporters, freight forwarders and other port users without lawful authority.

The circular further stated that an organisation’s registration, internal resolution, receipt, official letterhead or established industry practice does not, in itself, confer legal authority to impose such charges.

Consequently, all associations, unions, professional bodies and other organisations operating within or around Nigerian ports have been directed to immediately stop imposing or collecting compulsory cargo-linked charges that lack lawful authority.

The directive covers seaports, airports, land borders, inland dry ports, free zones and inland logistics corridors.

Affected organisations were also warned against making payment of unauthorised levies a condition for cargo clearance, documentation, release, access, handling, movement or evacuation.

The Council specifically prohibited the use of threats, intimidation, obstruction, checkpoints, denial of access or interference with port operations to compel payments.

It further directed stakeholders to ensure that every charge demanded from port users has an identifiable legal or contractual basis, relates to a legitimate service where applicable, and is collected through an authorised channel.

CRFFN encouraged importers, exporters, freight forwarders, logistics operators and other port users who encounter suspected unauthorised cargo levies to report such incidents through its WhatsApp complaint channel.

Complainants are required to save +234 811 370 0000 as a contact, send “hi” and follow the interactive prompts to submit their complaints.

The Council advised complainants to provide relevant details, including the amount demanded or collected, date and location of the incident, identities of the individuals or organisations involved, payment instructions, receipts, correspondence, photographs and video recordings, where available.

It said complaints received would be examined to establish the legal basis of the charges, preserve available evidence and determine appropriate action within the Council’s statutory powers.

Where suspected criminal conduct is identified, the matter would be referred to the relevant enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution, subject to applicable law, sufficient admissible evidence, due process and the rights of affected persons.

The circular applies to all categories of import and export cargo, including liquid, dry bulk, containerised and uncontainerised cargo, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

CRFFN said the directive was aimed at promoting lawful and efficient freight forwarding operations, reducing avoidable transaction costs, preventing rent-seeking and protecting freight forwarders and other port users from arbitrary demands.

It urged all stakeholders to take immediate notice of the circular and ensure strict compliance, warning that persons or organisations that continue to impose or enforce unauthorised compulsory cargo levies may face appropriate regulatory or enforcement action within the powers of the relevant authorities.

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