Customs announce plans to streamline import charges

Nigerian importers could soon enjoy a reduction in import duties as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) moves to scrap the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the seven per cent Cost of Collection charges, following the proposed reintroduction of a four per cent Free on Board (FOB) charge.

This development was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Lagos on Monday. The event, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholders’ Engagement,” also featured a review of the newly launched B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

In February 2025, the NCS announced the introduction of a four per cent charge on the FOB value of imports, in line with Section 18(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of goods up to the port of loading (excluding insurance and freight), is intended to improve customs operations and revenue collection.

However, implementation was suspended weeks later following widespread criticism from stakeholders.

On Monday, Adeniyi clarified that the reintroduction of the FOB charge would eliminate both the one per cent CISS fee and the seven per cent Cost of Collection, easing the burden on importers.

“The reintroduction of the four per cent FOB will wipe out the existing one per cent CISS and seven per cent collection charges,” Adeniyi stated.

Stakeholders Applaud B’Odogwu Clearance Platform

During the same forum, stakeholders across the maritime sector—including freight forwarders, banks, and regulatory agencies—commended the NCS for the introduction of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, describing it as a welcome innovation that enhances trade compliance and operational efficiency.

Olusina Ogunlesi, Factory Logistics Manager at British American Tobacco, noted that engagement with Customs has significantly improved since the rollout of the new platform.

“Unlike the former system, which was riddled with frequent network failures and limited support, B’Odogwu has streamlined the process and improved user experience,” he said.

Despite the praise, participants highlighted persistent challenges, including:

• Delays in migration from the old system

• Inability of banks to make amendments on the new platform

• Discrepancies in Harmonised System (HS) Code classification between SON and NAFDAC

Onyeji Frances, Head of SON’s Conformity Assessment Programme in Lagos, acknowledged improvements in SONCAP data transmission under the new system but called for the resolution of outstanding issues to enhance performance.

Conclusion

The NCS’s plan to replace multiple levies with a unified FOB charge marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s customs duty framework and could bring much-needed relief to importers. Meanwhile, the B’Odogwu platform is gaining traction as a more transparent and efficient system, though stakeholders continue to call for further refinements to ensure full optimisation.

The next steps by the Customs Service—and how effectively they address these concerns—will be crucial to building trust and promoting trade facilitation in Nigeria’s import-export sector