The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that all import declarations made during the initial period of implementing the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge have been cancelled. This follows the earlier press release that suspended the controversial charge on imports.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday. He explained that the cancellation is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and avoid disruptions in the clearance process.
Maiwada emphasized that affected importers, customs agents, and other stakeholders must recapture their import declarations using the designated customs processing platforms in order to proceed with the clearance of their goods.
The NCS has assured stakeholders that necessary measures have been implemented to make the recapture process seamless, with customs commands nationwide directed to assist importers and agents during this period.
“The cancellation of prior declarations and the subsequent need for recapturing align with the service’s commitment to ensuring efficient and transparent service delivery,” Maiwada said. He further reassured stakeholders of the NCS’s dedication to supporting the government’s fiscal policies and engaging in constructive dialogue with stakeholders.
The suspension of the 4% FOB charge, initially introduced under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, was met with criticism from businesses struggling with rising operating costs. Maiwada noted that the suspension offers a chance to reassess the country’s revenue framework and address concerns regarding the financial impact on businesses and consumers.
Under the now-suspended measure, importers were required to pay additional fees based on the value of goods imported, including transportation costs up to the port of loading. This extra cost was expected to be passed on to consumers, raising concerns about the overall impact on prices.
