By Ajibola Adedoye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has granted waivers on the 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy for manufacturers importing raw materials, in a landmark move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and easing the cost of doing business.
The decision followed high-level consultations between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye FR, in Abuja.
The meeting was convened in line with the Ministry of Finance’s directive suspending the levy under the provisions of the Customs Act 2023 and mandating stakeholder engagement.
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Scope of the Waiver
The agreement provides:
· Exemption from the 4% FOB charge on raw materials, machinery, and spares imported under Chapters 98 and 99 of the Customs Tariff.
· Onboarding of additional manufacturers not currently listed under these chapters.
· A credit system for manufacturers who have already paid the levy, allowing future use once onboarding is complete.
· Additional exemptions for humanitarian goods, healthcare imports, government projects, and commercial airline spare parts.
Addressing Industry Concerns
During the session, MAN raised concerns about multiple checkpoints, system alerts, and glitches on the new B’Odogwu customs platform. The association also emphasized the need for reforms to improve competitiveness.
In response, Customs briefed MAN on ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Advance Ruling, and Time Release Studies. MAN commended the AEO scheme while urging for clear admission guidelines to attract broader industry participation.
Commitment to Partnership
Both parties agreed to:
· Set up formal consultation mechanisms for continuous dialogue on customs policy.
· Establish proactive feedback systems and periodic reviews to monitor progress.
· Conduct tripartite consultations with the Ministry of Finance to expedite onboarding and streamline processes.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation through industrial growth, job creation, and export promotion,” said Comptroller-General Adeniyi.
On his part, MAN President Meshioye noted: “Constructive dialogue like this is essential to building a predictable customs environment that supports manufacturing excellence.”
Broader Implications
The engagement marks a significant step toward aligning customs operations with industrial development goals—ensuring regulatory compliance and national revenue targets while enabling sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector.
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