Nigeria Customs Service Cancels Import Declarations Following Suspension of 4% FOB Charge
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the cancellation of all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the recently suspended 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports. This decision, according to NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, aims to ensure clarity and consistency in customs operations and prevent disruptions in clearance processes. Importers, customs agents, and other stakeholders are now required to recapture their declarations through designated customs processing platforms to proceed with clearing their goods. The NCS has assured stakeholders of seamless processing and directed customs commands nationwide to provide necessary assistance. This move reflects the NCS’s commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while prioritizing stakeholder consultation and efficient service delivery under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.
The cancellation of import declarations and the subsequent recapture requirement represent a significant operational shift for businesses engaged in import activities. The initial implementation of the 4% FOB charge, based on the value of imported goods including transportation costs to the port of loading, had sparked concerns among businesses already grappling with high operating costs. The suspension of the charge provided an opportunity for the NCS to review its revenue framework, and the cancellation of existing declarations signifies a commitment to a more considered and transparent approach. By requiring the recapture of declarations, the NCS aims to ensure accurate accounting of import duties and levies under the revised framework, minimizing potential discrepancies and facilitating smooth clearance processes.
The 4% FOB charge, as stipulated in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, had raised concerns about its potential impact on businesses and consumers alike. Importers faced increased costs for bringing goods into Nigeria, which could have been passed on to consumers through higher prices. The suspension of the charge acknowledges these concerns and provides an opportunity for the NCS to re-evaluate its revenue generation strategy in a way that balances the need for revenue with the potential impact on businesses and the economy. The subsequent cancellation of declarations underscores the NCS’s commitment to a consultative approach, ensuring that its policies are aligned with the needs of stakeholders.
This action by the NCS emphasizes its dedication to transparency and stakeholder engagement. By cancelling the initial declarations, the service ensures a clean slate for implementing the revised framework, preventing any potential confusion or discrepancies arising from the previous implementation period. The recapture process allows for a fresh start, ensuring that all import declarations are aligned with the updated regulations. The NCS’s commitment to providing support to importers and agents during this transition further reinforces its dedication to facilitating smooth trade operations. The NCS actively encourages stakeholders to utilize this opportunity to avoid delays in clearing their consignments, demonstrating a proactive approach to minimizing disruptions.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has prioritized stakeholder engagement and efficient service delivery. The cancellation of import declarations reflects a public-centric approach, aiming to streamline customs processes and minimize the burden on businesses. The directive for customs commands to provide assistance reinforces this commitment, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary support to navigate the recapture process. This proactive approach to stakeholder engagement builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment for the implementation of customs policies. The NCS’s commitment to transparency and dialogue signifies a shift towards a more collaborative and responsive approach to customs operations.
The suspension of the 4% FOB charge and the subsequent cancellation of import declarations represent a significant development in Nigeria’s trade landscape. The NCS’s actions demonstrate a responsiveness to stakeholder concerns and a commitment to a more transparent and consultative approach to policy implementation. The emphasis on efficient service delivery and the provision of support to importers and agents underscore the NCS’s dedication to facilitating smooth trade operations. The recapture of declarations, while requiring additional effort from stakeholders, ultimately serves to ensure clarity and compliance with the revised framework. This proactive approach by the NCS sets a positive precedent for future policy implementations and fosters a more collaborative relationship between the service and its stakeholders.
