LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR MARITIME SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NIGERIA.
Modern commercial activities must have the proper regulatory framework in place, as various maritime business value propositions in Nigeria are governed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The Nigerian Port Authority also provides requirements for the license available to maritime service providers in Nigeria. They include;
1. Shipping Company License:
A shipping company or agency manages a ship’s business in every port that the ship visits or docks in addition to managing shipments, cargo, and general customer interests on behalf of shipowners, managers, and charterers.
The requirements for licensing as a shipping company in Nigeria are as follows:
a) A letter of application addressed to the Eastern and Western Ports General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority;
b) A Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) & MEMART (Memorandum/Articles of Association);
c) A bank referral and Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) valid for 3 years; and
d) Registration fee of Two Hundred Thousand Naira only.[13]
2. Shipping Chandler License:
A Chandler is a retailer with a focus on providing supplies or equipment for ships. The requirements for a shipping Chandler license include:
a) A letter of application addressed to the Eastern and Western Ports General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority;
b) A Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) & MEMART (Memorandum/Articles of Association);
c) Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) valid for 3 years; and
d) An executed Form C1 showing approval from the Nigerian Customs Service.[14]
3. Clearing and forwarding Agent licenses:
A clearing agent is an authorized service provider who makes sure that paperwork is organized and sent to the appropriate regulatory agencies (typically the Nigerian Customs Service), figures out the proper Customs duties, and makes sure that any unforeseen delays are eliminated to prevent demurrage charges.
A forwarding agent or freight forwarder on the other hand is a licensed service provider that ensures that freight/trade cargo is delivered on behalf of a client/customer to a prescribed destination in good condition. The requirements for a Clearing and forwarding agency include:
a) A letter of application addressed to the Eastern and Western Ports General Manager, at the Nigerian Ports Authority;
b) A Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) & MEMART (Memorandum/Articles of Association);
c) A bank referral and Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) valid for 3 years;
d) Evidence of registration with the council for the regulation of freight forwarding in Nigeria; and
d) Registration fee of Two Hundred Thousand Naira to the Nigerian Port Authority.[15]
4 Bonded Terminal licensing:
A bonded terminal is a building or space designated for storing imported goods temporarily and approved by the appropriate authorities. The requirements for bonded terminal licensing include:
a) Letter of Application to the General Manager (Eastern/Western Ports) with the following accompanying documents;
b) Company Registration with CAC;
c) Three years Tax Clearance Certificate;
d) Tax Identification Number (TIN); and
e) Insurance Cover.
The Nigerian Ports Authority typically processes licenses in 6 weeks, and they are valid for a year until renewal.[16]
5. Service Boat Operator Licenses:
A service boat operator offers docked ships logistical support, including supplies of fuel, and other necessities for the ship and its crew. The requirements for this license category are:
a) Letter of Application to the General Manager (Eastern/Western Ports) with the following accompanying documents;
b) Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) & MEMART (Memorandum/Articles of Association;
c) NPA Shipping Company Registration Certificate;
d) Three years Tax Clearance Certificate; and
e) Registration fee of Two Hundred Thousand Naira to the Nigerian Port Authority.[17]