4% FOB Levy: Customs Cancels Declarations During Implementation

This was disclosed on Monday in a statement by Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer, who further directed stakeholders to recapture entries made after the policy was commenced.

Recall that two weeks again, the customs suspended the FOB, which is a 4 per cent charge on imported goods, meant to replace an older system where companies like Webb Fontaine handled import inspections for a 1 per cent fee.

The move sparked heavy criticism from stakeholders like the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) which warned that the business environment already struggles with multiple taxes, unpredictable policies, and economic challenges coupled with unsold inventories and growing unemployment, pleading that policies should “support businesses, not further suffocate them.”

According to the latest directive, tall import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled and stakeholders affected have to take the process again.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that 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,” it said adding that, “Customs Commands nationwide have been directed to provide the necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.”

The service added that the decision to cancel previous declarations and give room for recapturing is part of its broader effort to be a public-centric organisation that ensures efficient service delivery.

“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.

“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,” it added.