Multiple Billing, Informal Charges Threaten Growth of Logistics Firms – PNL CEO

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Ltd (PNL), Wole Elusakin, has identified multiple taxation and rising informal costs as major challenges confronting logistics companies operating in Nigeria. Elusakin spoke to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a team bonding, post – budget retreat and dinner organised for the management and staff of […]

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Ltd (PNL), Wole Elusakin, has identified multiple taxation and rising informal costs as major challenges confronting logistics companies operating in Nigeria.

Elusakin spoke to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a team bonding, post – budget retreat and dinner organised for the management and staff of the Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, a third-party logistics company with interests in warehousing and e-commerce.

He explained that the event followed the company’s annual budget session and was designed to renew team energy ahead of the new business year.

According to him, logistics firms are particularly burdened by multiple billing across different states and local governments.

“Take for example each local government or state we drive through with our trucks, we have to pay.

“There is a strong need for the government to look into this and find a way to unify it,” he said.

Elusakin noted that these costs either reduce company profitability or are transferred to customers and, ultimately, consumers.

He added that many of the expenses incurred by logistics operators fall within the informal sector, making them difficult to document or defend before government agencies.

“Unfortunately for us in logistics, most of our costs are from the informal space, so they are not so visible to the government.

“Even when you are presenting your bill to them that you are incurring these costs, they find it very difficult to accept,” he said.

Despite the economic challenges faced in 2025, Elusakin said businesses remained resilient and innovative.

“Last year was exceptionally tough for all businesses; however, it’s all about not giving up and looking for ways to navigate the tough tide,” he stated.

He stressed that economic hardship should not be an excuse for failure, noting that commercial activities continue despite the downturn.

Elusakin disclosed that Pomegranate Nigeria is targeting at least 70 per cent growth in the current year.

He expressed confidence that the company’s team, driven by its theme for the year, “Impossible is Nothing,” would deliver on the target.

The highlight of the dinner was the presence of renowned Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Odunlade Adekola, who joined the PNL team for an engaging and memorable session marked by warmth, inspiration, and positive energy.

During the dinner session, Adekola presented a Leadership Award to Mrs Dorathy Okunoye, who emerged as the outstanding leader in recognition of her excellence in people leadership, team development, and operational execution.

In his remarks, Odunlade encouraged the team to remain diligent and principled, stressing the importance of hard work and earning an honest living as the foundation for sustainable progress and positive impact.