The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has just issued the Courier and Logistics Services (Operations) Regulations 2020 (the “Regulations”). The Regulations repealing the Courier Service (Operations) Regulations 1992, have significantly amended the courier and logistics business model by restructuring the licensing regime. Essentially, four (4) licence categories have been created in addition to the existing (national and international) courier licence categories, and the licence fees for these categories have also been reviewed. In addition to this, the Minister has now made it mandatory (through the Regulations) for courier service operators to contribute 2% of their total annual revenue to a Postal Fund established under the Nigerian Postal Service Act 1992 - a contribution stream which was not envisaged under the Nigerian Postal Service Act 1992.
See the major highlights of the Regulations as well as our commentaries on some of the provisions below. Also, look out for our comprehensive review of the Regulations.
New Licensing Regime:
The 2020 Regulations have added four (4) licence categories to the existing licence (national and international) categories. Details of these are provided below:
Category of Licence |
New Licence Fee (N) |
Renewal Fee (N) |
Scope of Operation |
International Courier Licence |
20, 000, 000.00 |
8, 000, 000.00 |
Suitable for operators who perform courier and logistic services across international borders. |
National Courier Licence |
10, 000, 000.00 |
4, 000, 000.00 |
Suitable for operators who perform courier and logistics services nationwide. |
Regional Courier Licence |
5, 000, 000.00 |
2, 000, 000.00 |
Suitable for operators who perform courier and logistic services within a particular geo-political zone in Nigeria. |
State Courier Licence |
2, 000, 000.00 |
800, 000.00 |
For operators who perform courier and logistic services within a particular state and no more. |
Municipal Courier Licence |
1, 000, 000.00 |
400, 000.00 |
Suitable for operators who perform courier and logistics services within a particular city and no more. |
Special SME Courier Licence |
250, 000.00 |
100, 000.00 |
Suitable for municipal operators having not more than five (5) motorbikes. |
