Assessing the Role of Customs Brokers and their Impact on Trade Facilitation in the Nigerian Maritime Industry

Abstract

Customs broker is a profession that stands to be the vital link between exporter or shippers (seller of goods), the carrier (owner of the transport means that carries the goods), terminal operator, the haulage company, the shipping line, the bank and the consignee in the other hand. Problems faced by this agency are numerous. Therefore, this study examined the factors influencing the proficiency of customs licensed agents and their impact on trade facilitation in the Nigeria seaport. Stratified sampling technique was used for respondents which consist of different status, age, sex, the position held, working experience and educational background for the staff of Customs Licensed Agency. This research used primary data in which questionnaires were administered to 150 employers who have been working as confirmed staff for at least three years to be very sure of information obtained. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the purpose of this study. The result showed that lack of cooperation, little or no uniform standard, government policy and art of touting are factors influencing the profession of customs licensed agents. Also, customs, shipping company and concessionaires charges are factors to be considered in cargo clearance at Tincan Island Port. It was concluded that the profession of customs licensed agents is a lucrative business in which government policy and other factors are responsible for impeding the growth of the business as there are changes in the tariff. Deceitful act thwarts the profitability and growth of the freight forwarding business. It was recommended that training and re-training of customs licensed agents is imperative to the growth of maritime industry and also government should set up a monitoring unit to check the fraudulent activities of these illegal agents in the port