The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cancelled all import declarations made during the initial implementation of the now-suspended 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports as part of its efforts to streamline customs operations and maintain transparency in trade facilitation.
The cancellation directive, issued by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, requires affected all ports’ stakeholders, importers, customs agents, and other trade facilitators, to document their import entries through designated customs processing platforms to proceed with the clearance of their consignments.
It would be recalled that the NCS had suspended the controversial 4% FOB charge, which had generated significant debate among stakeholders in the import and export sector, pointing out that the cancellation of previous declarations is aimed at ensuring clarity, preventing inconsistencies in customs procedures, and mitigating disruptions in cargo clearance processes.
In the latest statement, Maiwada stressed the importance of compliance by all ports’ stalholders and assured them of the Service’s commitment to facilitating a seamless transition.
He stated: “All stakeholders affected are urged to promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms.
“The NCS has put measures in place to ensure this process is seamless. Customs Commands nationwide have been directed to provide the necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period”, the spokesman added.
According to him, the decision to cancel previous declarations and give room for recapturing is part of the Service’s broader effort to be a public-centric organisation that ensures efficient service delivery.
The Service further reiterated its full commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, stressing that its approach is based on far-reaching consultation and dialogue with industry players.
Meanwhile, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to openness, transparency, and enhanced stakeholder engagement and urged traders and importers to take full advantage of the open policy regime to prevent unnecessary delays in clearing their shipments.
He assured: “We remain committed to ensuring that all trade policies are implemented in a manner that promotes efficiency and economic growth. Traders should comply with this directive promptly to avoid any further disruptions in their business operations.”
Industry experts believe that with this latest directive, importers and agents are expected to immediately recapture their entries to avoid delays and support the Customs Service in its mission to enhance trade facilitation, boost its revenue generation and by so doing improve its contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
