Importers and fleet brokers across Nigeria have staged protests against the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) new four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy, warning it will drive up costs, stifle trade, and worsen economic hardship.
The levy, introduced this month to replace the seven per cent customs collection charge and one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee, applies to the value of imported goods and transportation costs up to the port of loading. While the NCS says the change streamlines charges under its new B’Odogwu Clearance System, stakeholders argue it amounts to a net increase in costs—especially for vehicle imports and bulk goods.
“This levy, while presented as a modernisation effort, adds significant financial strain on importers,” said Dr. Eugene Nweke, Secretary of the Customs Consultative Committee. “In a market already grappling with high duty rates and inefficiencies, this could be a blow to trade and industry.”
Protests have erupted in major port cities including Lagos and Port Harcourt. Importers warn the extra costs will be passed to consumers, driving up prices across sectors. Freight forwarder groups, including the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), dismissed the move as “substitution by elimination” with no real relief.
Tensions are further heightened by a 21-day ultimatum issued to 223 companies under the Temporary Admission Permits (TAP) scheme to regularise their import status or face penalties.
Following backlash, the NCS temporarily suspended the FOB levy on February 24, 2025, instructing stakeholders to refile entries to avoid clearance delays. However, many protesters remain sceptical, citing other cost pressures such as the recent increase in the import duty exchange rate from ₦952 to ₦1,356 per dollar.
Trade groups have called for urgent consultations between customs authorities and the business community to devise policies that support revenue generation without crippling import-dependent sectors.
Read Also: Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs CG Adeniyi by One Year to Consolidate Reforms
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