The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cancelled all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports.
This decision follows the earlier suspension of the charge, which was announced by the NCS.
According to Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, the cancellation of import declarations is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes.
Maiwada explained that affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods.
The NCS has put measures in place to ensure a seamless recapturing process. Customs commands nationwide have been directed to provide necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.
Maiwada emphasized that the NCS remains committed to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The suspension of the 4% FOB charge was announced earlier this month, citing the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding its implementation framework. The charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including transportation costs up to the port of loading, had raised concerns among businesses struggling with high operating costs .
The NCS has encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments.
With this development, importers and customs agents are advised to promptly recapture their entries through designated customs processing platforms to ensure smooth clearance processes