The federal government on Monday, directed the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of the 4 percent Free On Board, FOB levy recently introduced by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS on all imports to Nigeria.
This directive which was addressed to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was contained in a statement dated 15th September, 2025 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, R.O Omachi, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun
.
According to the statement, the directive was given pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part ll, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Customs Service.
It disclosed that it had become clear, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant government officials that the implementation of the 4% FOB charge posed significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation, environment and economic stability.
The statement further observed that many importers and businesses had raised concerns about the increased financial burden that levy imposed, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business climate in Nigeria.“This suspension will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications.
“The Ministry of Finance looks forward to working closely with the Service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that supports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability.
“Ensure strict compliance, please”, the statement said.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service, earlier this year, introduced the controversial FOB levy which drew the anger of both trade experts and stakeholders leading to its suspension by the Service to allow for wider consultation.
However, the levy was reintroduced a few weeks ago, eliciting mixed reactions within the ranks of the stakeholders with majority condemning the reintroduction of the levy citing unfriendly business environment as reason for opposition to the reintroduction of the levy leading to the second suspension in nine months.