Nigeria Customs Implements 4% Importation Charge

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a 4% charge on imports’ free on-board (FOB) value.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the development, emphasising the agency’s commitment to ensuring compliance with trade regulations and revenue generation.

Further details on the implementation and its impact on importers are expected in subsequent updates.

Maiwada explained that the directive was in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

“In line with the provisions of Section 18(1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is implementing a 4 percent charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports.

“The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including the cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential to driving the effective operation of the service.

“Furthermore, the NCS acknowledges concerns raised by stakeholders over the sustained collection of a 1 percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee.

“It is a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection Scheme alongside the 4 percent FOB charge.

“As a responsive government agency, the service wishes to assure the general public that extensive consultation is ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance to address all agitations raised by our esteemed stakeholders,“ he said.

He urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive, which was conceived after extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and organisations.

“All stakeholders are urged to support this legally binding initiative.

“As the measures introduced in alignment with NCSA 2023 reflect a balanced approach born out of extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies,” he said.

He described the contribution of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the NCSA 2023 as invaluable.

“Their insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation and strengthens transparency in customs operations.”

According to him, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains committed to transparency, fair trade practices, and efficient revenue management.

NAN