A courier license is a mandatory license required by companies that engage in logistics services. If you inquire about forming a logistics company, then getting this license should be paramount. This article will walk you through how you can register and get a courier license in Nigeria at a pocket-friendly cost.
Since the advent of online purchasing through e-commerce, logistics has also risen to a high level. Big ecommerce brands rely on the services of courier companies to deliver their products within states and even across states.
This has also given rise to regulatory authorities setting down laid principles to regulate these courier companies that engage in product deliveries from one location to another.
E-commerce is nothing without logistics, and whether you are just forming your courier company or have already started but needs the NIPOST courier license, then fasten your seat belt, let’s ride.
Brief Overview of the Courier and Logistics Industry in Nigeria
In recent years, the courier industry in Nigeria has experienced significant growth, fuelled by the expansion of e-commerce and the increasing demand for efficient delivery services.
You will argue that logistics companies have always existed for a long time, however, the 2020 lockdown birthed its demand and penetration into not just the national but international markets.
While the world paused, more ideals were born to enhance productivity, efficiency of operations and the overall well-being of man. Courier companies are no less from them.
This growth is evident in the increasing number of courier companies, both local and international, operating in Nigeria, and the expansion of their services to meet diverse customer needs.
Why a Courier License is Mandatory
For a company engaging in logistics, securing a courier license is beneficial for the following reasons
- It boosts legality, trust and credibility
- Such company will gain a competitive Advantage
- Access to Services
- Compliance with government regulations
What is a Courier License in Nigeria?
A courier license is a license issued to a company given them the license and permit to legally operate a courier or logistics business, including the delivery of parcels and documents within and across the country.
Just as the Export license is regulated by NEPC, Courier license in Nigeria is regulated by the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
Companies willing to engage in courier are mandated to secure this license in other to operate legally within government jurisdictions
Types of NIPOST Courier License
In Nigeria, the courier license is issued in the following categories
- International Courier License for international movement of goods
- National Courier License for movement of goods across Nigeria
- Regional Courier License which restricts operations to a specific geopolitical zone within Nigeria, such as the South-West, North-East, etc.
- State/Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Courier License such as motorbikes for within state deliveries
- Solo-Rider Permit: This permit is for individuals operating as independent courier riders using only one motorcycle. It is also required for those partnering with licensed operators
Difference Between Courier License and Logistics Permit
When you hear the word courier and then logistics, I know you will quickly assume that both of them involves moving goods and parcels from one location to another.
However, as much as both mean the same thing, there are slight differences between a courier and a logistics service.
Logistics is not just about moving goods, but it involves the whole process of planning, coordinating, and managing the movement of goods, while couriers refer to the actual transportation and delivery of the goods.
A courier also deals with door to door delivery of light weighted parcels like document while logistics involves deliveries of higher weighted packages and also engages in warehousing, freight booking, and express cargo delivery.
NIPOST Courier License Registration Requirements in Nigeria
Below are the must-have documents you need to register and obtain a courier license in Nigeria.
- A company registration with CAC with full documents. The company must that clearly in its objectives that it is a courier company
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Evidence of tax clearance certificate
- Corporate bank account
- EFCC SCUML and AFT Manual
- Verifiable office address with a digital signage
- Adequate number of vehicles and bikes for delivery
- Organogram of the company including number of staff, staff strength and safety policy
- Insurance (recommended)
- Others as specified by NIPOST
Process to Apply and Get Courier License in Nigeria
Having secured all the documents and other requirements at your disposal, follow this guide below to register for the courier permit
- Visit the Remita page online
- Under who you want to pay type courier then click on the pop-up
- On Name of Service/Purpose, select Direct Service on Counter
- Type in the name of the logistics company under payer name
- Ensure your email is correctly type
- Click Submit
- Choose your payment options or
- Choose bank branch to generate your RRR
- Print out the invoice and head to the bank to make your payment
- If you have a Visa or Mastercard, select the card payment option online and make your payment. After payment, download your payment receipt
Once you are done with the online payment on remita website, follow below
Visit the NIPOST Application Form to submit your courier application form details.
Once payment is confirmed, you will get a payment confirmation email, and you will receive login information on your email to continue with the application process.
Write a letter on your company letterhead paper with receiver’s address carrying this format below
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION/CE
Nigerian Postal Service
Corporate Headquarters
Garki II, Abuja
ATTENTION: General Manager (Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department)
Attach all necessary documents we have stated above with the letter and submit it at the physical office in Abuja.
Courier License Certificate
Once you have completed the remita online payment, filled the online form and submitted a letter with copies of the required documents to the Nigerian Postal Service, wait for your registration to be approved and the certificate will be issued to you.
Cost of Getting a Courier License in Nigeria
Just as we earlier mentioned, the fee for courier logistics license in Nigeria varies depending on the area of distribution which could be national, regional or international.
- Regional Courier License Fee: ₦2,000,000
- National Courier License Fee: ₦3,000,000
- International Courier License Fee: ₦20,000,000
- State Courier License ₦250,000
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?
The whole process of application, payment and letter to the Postmaster of courier service should take between 6 and 10 weeks to get approval from NIPOST and certified in Nigeria.
Can You Operate Without The NIPOST License?
No. It is illegal to run a courier and logistics company in Nigeria without approval and license from NIPOST. Such company could be forced to shut down or suffer severe litigation
Five Best Courier Services Operators in Nigeria
Below are some of the best courier services operators in Nigeria that are registered with NIPOST and obtained full license and gained both National and Global recognition.
- God is Good Logistics (GiG) Limited
- Speedaf Nigeria Limited
- Fedex Express Services Nigeria Limited
- United Parcel Service Limited
- AMG Logistics Nigeria Limited
Courier License Consultants in Nigeria
If you need someone to handle the whole process of your company registration and preparing all necessary documents for the application of your courier license then Legacy Benjamin Consult is the best place to be.
We can help you with
- CAC company registration
- Branding
- SCUML registration
- Tax Clearance
- Tax Promax
Send us a DM on WhatsApp @ 08066108299
NIPOST Logistics License FAQs
Q: Can an individual apply for a courier license in Nigeria?
A: No. Only CAC registered companies can apply.
Q: How long does it take to get a courier license approved?
A: 6 to 10 weeks
Q: Can I start my delivery business without a courier license?
A: No. It is illegal to run a delivery company without license
Q Do I need a courier license if I only do intra-city deliveries with bikes?
A: Yes. You need the subdivision license
Q: Do I Need SCUML Certificate Too?
A: Yes. The EFCC wants to ensure your company is not being used for money laundry and is in full compliance with Anti-money laundering rules
Q: Can a foreigner apply for a courier license in Nigeria?
A: Yes. However, the company must have a Nigerian address and such foreigner must register a company with foreign participation with a share capital of ₦100,00,000 (100 Million shares)
Conclusion:
Getting a courier license in Nigeria is crucial for any company that wishes to engage in logistics services. The license isn’t just a certificate issued by NIPOST, but it also serves as a pathway to build credibility, reputation and trust among clients
