The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has suspended implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board charge on imported goods as directed by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Service confirmed that it has already initiated consultations with the Ministry to determine appropriate interim measures to ensure that its statutory duties continue without disruption.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada said the NCS fully respects the Federal Government’s fiscal policy decisions and remains committed to aligning its operations with national economic objectives.
He explained that while the suspension is in effect, Customs is engaging constructively with the Finance Ministry and other relevant stakeholders to develop strategies that will safeguard revenue generation and maintain smooth trade facilitation across the country’s ports and borders.
“The Service is optimistic that ongoing discussions will yield a balanced outcome that addresses public concerns while ensuring that our statutory obligations are not compromised,” Maiwada stated. “Our primary focus remains efficient service delivery, revenue collection, and support for Nigeria’s economic growth.”
The NCS also took the opportunity to address widespread public and media reports suggesting that the 4% FOB levy was a recent creation by the Customs Service itself.
Clarifying the issue, the Service emphasized that the levy was not introduced unilaterally but rather enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, passed by the National Assembly.
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Specifically, Section 18(1)(a) of the Act provides for “not less than 4% of the free-on-board value of imports according to international best practices” as a statutory funding mechanism to support Customs operations.
This legal provision, the Service explained, was intended to align Nigeria’s Customs financing structure with global standards, ensuring that the Service could continue to deliver on its wide-ranging responsibilities, including trade facilitation, enforcement, and revenue collection.
Despite the temporary halt of the levy, the Service reassured all stakeholders—including importers, licensed customs agents, the trading public, and international partners—that its operations will remain uninterrupted.
Customs officers across the nation’s seaports, land borders, and airports are expected to continue processing imports and exports seamlessly.
The Service reiterated its dedication to upholding international trade standards, providing transparent operations, and contributing positively to the government’s broader fiscal and economic agenda.
“We remain resolute in delivering efficient and effective customs administration that will enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness,” Maiwada affirmed.
The suspension by the Finance Ministry, therefore, offers temporary relief to importers while further discussions are underway.
Ultimately, the Nigeria Customs Service expressed confidence that the collaborative engagement with the Federal Ministry of Finance would produce solutions that balance the country’s revenue needs with the imperative of sustaining business growth and trade facilitation.
Crediblenewsng.com
