By Steve Agbota
Clearing agents operating in the nation’s maritime industry have called for caution over the sudden implementation of a 4 per cent Customs processing charge newly introduced on Tuesday.
This is even as they are calling for its immediate suspension and a structured sensitization process and seeking 90 days before the implementation for the trading community to be well informed and prepared.
Speaking at a press briefing, former acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto, pointed out the lack of due process in rolling out the new charge, opining that while the levy is backed by law, its execution has been flawed.
He explained that the provision for the 4 per cent charge is embedded in the Customs Act 2023, specifically in Section 18, which mandates Customs to collect not less than 4 per cent of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value of imports as a financing mechanism for Customs operations.
However, he pointed out that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) introduced the levy contradicts Section 23 of the same Act, which requires public notification and stakeholder engagement before implementing new charges.
According to him, this increment was imposed without the necessary sensitization of the trading community, as required by law.
“The Act clearly states that Customs must ensure that all relevant information on importation, exportation, and applicable charges is made publicly available. However, we only woke up to find the new charge embedded in the system without prior notice, which is unacceptable,” he added.
He emphasized that even in developing economies, new trade-related policies follow procedural codes, including issuing circulars to relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, freight forwarders, and trade associations.
He argued that there has been no official circular or public notification on the new charge.
“This is against international best practices, and as such, I advise that this charge be withdrawn immediately and a minimum of 90 days be given for proper sensitization before implementation,” he said.
Farinto advised freight forwarders to resist hasty payment of the 4 per cent charge, suggesting that cargo should be left at ports for at least a week in protest.
“Agents should not be in a rush to pay this charge. Let us engage in peaceful protest by delaying cargo clearance. If necessary, affected traders will seek legal redress, as this implementation is an imposition and an illegality,” he asserted.
While acknowledging that the Customs Service has the legal right to impose the charge, he insisted that due process must be followed.
“This is not about whether customs has the authority to implement the charge. It is a law that was signed at the twilight of the last administration. However, even if customs wants to implement it, some procedures must be followed,” he said.
Farinto expressed concerns that the sudden implementation of the charge could negatively impact Nigeria’s already declining import trade, further increasing the cost of doing business at the ports.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s import volume has been on a downward trend, and additional levies without proper consultation would worsen the situation.
“This is an era where our import volumes are already shrinking. If this continues, we will keep discouraging trade, which will have dire economic consequences.
“Traders must be informed in advance so they can factor in these costs before shipping their goods. International trade is not a buy-and-sell business—it requires strategic planning,” he warned.
The freight forwarder leader announced plans to submit a formal petition to the presidency and relevant agencies, urging the government to reconsider the timing and approach to implementing the 4 per cent charge.
He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has promised to alleviate economic hardships, should not allow policies that could further strain businesses.
“In line with our advocacy, we will be reaching out to the presidency and key trade agencies to ensure that this policy is implemented correctly. The government must step in to prevent policies that will further burden the trading community and negatively impact Nigeria’s economy,” he said.