.Customs Directs Stakeholders to Recapture Entries
ZAINAB JUNAID
The National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Importers, Freight Forwarders and Exporters Coalition, SNIFFIEC, Chief Osita Patrick Chukwu, has commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, for heeding to the plight of shippers, customs agents and freight forwarders in Nigeria, producing a significant result that benefits affected importers.
Chief Osita gave the commendation following a press statement released by the Nigeria Customs Service and signed by the National Spokesperson, AC Abdullahi Maiwada, on Monday, announcing the cancellation of all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports.
Consequently, the agency advised affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders to use this opportunity to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods.
Following the announcement, the agency recommended that stakeholders promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms and to ensure a seamless process, as measures have been put in place to carry out this task.
The Service also urged all Customs Commands across the country to provide necessary help and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.
Recall that Chief Osita Patrick Chukwu had last week requested a refund for importers who captured their containers using the suspended 4 per cent Free On Board (FOB) charge.
With the new development, the SNIFFIEC National Coordinator, in a telephone interview with our reporter, commended the CGC for taking the bull by the horn, saying the CG made a very good U-turn to demonstrate true and understanding leadership in line with the extant constitutional provisions.
He said, “I thank God for him to have redeemed the Nigeria Customs Integrity. By listening to the voice of his people. I commend the CGC, the management team, the board and even the minister of Finance for redeeming their integrity and adhering to the Clarion call made by different shippers, customs agents including freight forwarders. He has yielded to what we are saying and we hail him for this move. He has come to say we should recapture and this means we are going to get a refund. So I commend him.
“By aligning with the vision and mission of all the customs clearing agents including the Freight forwarders and stakeholders in all fields. I’m commending the Board of Customs of Excise and Management and Ministry of Finance for calling off the 4%. I’m so grateful for that I saw, except it’s a mere lipstick. But for taking the bold step, I commend him”.
Earlier, the Nigeria Customs Service said in the statement that, “Following the press release announcing the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform stakeholders that all import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled.
“This measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes. Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are, therefore, required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods.
“In addition, all stakeholders affected are advised to promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms. The NCS has put measures in place to ensure this process is seamless. Customs Commands across the country have been directed to provide the necessary help and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.
“The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all relevant parties. The decision to cancel previous declarations and give room for recapturing is part of the Service’s broader effort to be a public-centric organisation that ensures efficient service delivery.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to demonstrating openness and transparency in its engagements with stakeholders. Traders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments,” the statement reads.
