July 22, 2025
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the introduction of a unified four percent Free on Board (FOB) charge to replace multiple import levies previously imposed on cargo imports into Nigeria.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Monday, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that the new policy is designed to simplify Nigeria’s import duty structure, reduce administrative complexities, and promote ease of doing business at the nation’s ports.
According to him, “Rather than subject importers to various overlapping charges, we are collapsing them into a single, streamlined 4% FOB charge. This reform is aimed at improving transparency, eliminating double taxation, and enhancing compliance.”
The Customs boss noted that the move is part of a broader trade facilitation strategy aimed at aligning Nigeria’s customs operations with international standards while boosting investor confidence.
He assured that the new levy regime was developed in collaboration with key industry players and will be deployed alongside an automated tracking system to ensure effective implementation and monitoring.
Stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors have largely welcomed the policy shift, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that could improve efficiency and reduce the cost of clearing goods. However, some have urged the Customs Service to provide detailed guidelines and allow a transition period for existing shipments.
The new levy system is expected to come into effect in the coming weeks, with ongoing consultations to ensure a smooth rollout.
