Importers and clearing agents can now have a further sigh of relief as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) voided all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the 4% Free on-board (FoB) fee. Recall that the service had introduced a 4% FoB fee on imported cargoes but was later suspended by the service to allow for consultation with stakeholders and importers.

However, in a press statement by the national public relations officer of the service, Abdulahi Maiwada, the cancellation was to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in Customs operations and prevent disruptions in clearance processes. Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are, therefore, required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods, he said.

“Sequel to the earlier press release announcing the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said stakeholders that had import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled.  “This measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes. Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are, therefore, required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods.  addition, 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,” Maiwada stated.

He, however, disclosed that the Service remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders. He further stated that traders are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments. 

“The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders. 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. Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to demonstrating openness and transparency in its engagements with stakeholders. Traders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments, he said.