By Ajibola Adedoye
In a landmark move poised to reshape Nigeria’s industrial landscape, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have sealed a new partnership aimed at bolstering industrial growth, enhancing trade facilitation, and boosting the nation’s economic competitiveness.
The breakthrough came during a high-level, six-hour strategic consultation held in Lagos on Friday, culminating in a joint communiqué signed by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and MAN President, Francis Meshioye.
The agreement marks what both parties describe as a “turning point” in the historically cautious relationship between customs authorities and manufacturers.
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One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of strategic exemptions from the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy, a move approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The exemptions aim to ease production costs and improve Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
The exemptions apply to:
- Raw materials, machinery, and spare parts imported under Chapters 98 and 99 of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET)
- Government-backed projects with valid Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDEC)
- Humanitarian and life-saving imports
- Healthcare-related goods under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain
- Spare parts for commercial airlines
CGC Adeniyi also assured manufacturers awaiting onboarding under Chapters 98 and 99 that the process would be expedited, with previously paid levies credited toward future transactions.
Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that the NCS is fully committed to balancing its revenue collection duties with reforms that make the business environment more predictable and efficient.
“The manufacturing sector is central to Nigeria’s industrialization and job creation. Our goal is a customs system that enables – not hinders – growth,” Adeniyi stated.
To that end, he announced plans for a “One-Stop-Shop” trade platform to streamline regulatory processes and shorten cargo clearance timelines. Other reform initiatives include the reduction of highway checkpoints and tackling technical bottlenecks in digital trade platforms.
Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, Head of Tariff and Trade Department, presented ongoing initiatives under the NCS’s trade facilitation drive. In her words, these include: “Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme, Advance Ruling system, Time Release Study and Deployment of technology-driven clearance systems”.
These measures, she said, are designed to lower compliance costs, improve transparency, and reduce bureaucracy for legitimate businesses.
In his response, MAN President Francis Meshioye commended the NCS for what he described as a “new spirit of partnership and openness.” He said the reforms mark a pivotal moment for the manufacturing sector:
“These measures will ease our operations, enhance competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Meshioye added that MAN would support the Customs Service through continuous policy engagement and by encouraging full compliance among its members.
To ensure sustained progress and structured policy feedback, both bodies agreed to establish a tripartite consultation mechanism involving the Ministry of Finance. The framework will enable regular reviews of customs and trade policies, allowing real-time assessment of their impact on manufacturers.
The NCS also pledged to develop clear onboarding guidelines for MAN members interested in the AEO scheme, further reinforcing trust and compliance.
With this strategic alignment, the NCS and MAN have charted a new course that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and efficiency – a move widely seen as a critical boost to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development ambitions.
Industrial watchers and business leaders alike will be monitoring closely – because if these reforms take root, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector could be on the verge of a long-awaited renaissance.
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