The Nigeria Customs Service is implementing a 4 per cent charge on the free-on-board value of imports.

NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada announced this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Maiwada explained that the directive was in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 provisions.

“In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is implementing a 4 per cent charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports.

“The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential to driving the effective operation of the service.

“Furthermore, the NCS acknowledges concerns raised by stakeholders over the sustained collection of 1 per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee,” said the NCS statement.

The statement added, “It is a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection Scheme alongside the 4 per cent FOB charge.

“As a responsive government agency, the service wishes to assure the general public that extensive consultation is ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance to address all agitations raised by our esteemed stakeholders.”

It urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive, conceived after extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and organisations.

The NCS described the contribution of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the NCSA 2023 as invaluable.

(NAN)