The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is considering scrapping the seven percent import surcharge currently levied on all goods entering the country — a move aimed at reducing import duties and lowering the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders on the Bodogwu clearance system, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the proposal to eliminate the surcharge is already undergoing legislative review.
Adeniyi explained that removing the surcharge would result in reduced duties on all inbound cargo, ultimately making port operations more affordable.
“At the beginning of this meeting, I emphasized that the Bodogwu system is designed to reduce operational costs at our ports,” he said. “With the right technology and cooperation from stakeholders, we can achieve significant progress.”
The proposed change comes amid rising concerns from the business community, particularly the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), which had strongly opposed the NCS’s recent introduction of a 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy. MAN argued that such a levy would inflate the cost of importing raw materials and finished products, push up consumer prices, and threaten the viability of local industries.
The NCS had initially introduced the FOB levy as a replacement for the former 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), citing a need to fund modernization efforts and boost operational efficiency. However, following widespread criticism, implementation of the levy was suspended.
Eliminating the seven percent surcharge is now seen as a strategic move to restore confidence, attract more businesses to Nigerian ports, and enhance the country's trade competitiveness.
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