Customs Begins Consultation After Suspension of 4% FOB Levy
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Customs Begins Consultation After Suspension of 4% FOB Levy
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigeria Customs Service has suspended the implementation of the 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imported goods following a directive from the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement obtained by INCNews247 on Tuesday, saying the Service had commenced consultations with the ministry to agree on alternative measures that would ensure continuity in service delivery.
He said, “The NCS remains optimistic about ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to address the concerns raised while ensuring that the Service’s statutory obligations are met effectively.”
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Maiwada also faulted media reports suggesting the 4 per cent FOB levy was recently introduced.
He explained that the charge was backed by Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which provides for “not less than 4% of the free-on-board value of imports according to international best practices.”
While noting that the suspension would not disrupt Customs operations, the spokesman assured importers, clearing agents, and other stakeholders that the Service remained committed to efficient revenue collection, trade facilitation and adherence to global standards.
INCNews247 reports that the 4 per cent FOB charge, though backed by law, has faced pushback from trade groups worried about rising import costs.
The suspension is expected to ease tensions as broader consultations continue.
