The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced a major shift in Nigeria’s import levy structure, revealing that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will consolidate various import-related fees into a single 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder town hall meeting held in Lagos on Monday, July 21, 2025, as part of broader efforts to simplify port charges and improve transparency.
According to CGC Adeniyi, the new 4% FOB levy will replace both the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee and the 7% cost of collection currently imposed on importers. Once implemented, the unified charge will be paid upfront, with no further levies applied.
“Once the 4% FOB charge takes effect, the 1% CISS fee will be automatically discontinued, along with the 7% cost of collection,” he stated. “Under the new Act, the 4% FOB is a one-time payment. All revenue generated will go directly into the Federation Account. It’s a win-win for all parties.”
This reform is part of the ongoing digital transformation accompanying the launch of the B’Odogwu clearance platform—a locally developed solution aimed at enhancing trade facilitation. CGC Adeniyi assured stakeholders that the NCS remains committed to a transparent and efficient transition process.
Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback
Themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement,” the town hall drew participation from freight forwarders, clearing agents, and trade partners. While stakeholders welcomed the streamlined charges, they also expressed concerns about potential delays in system transitions, especially regarding bank processes and documentation.
Deputy Comptroller-General of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, described the engagement as a strategic milestone. She emphasized the significance of the B’Odogwu platform, calling it a national project that reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in digital customs systems, particularly as the country currently chairs the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), also addressed the forum, reaffirming the project’s commitment to building robust infrastructure to support seamless and efficient trade.
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Panel discussions at the event tackled key issues such as “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed and Revenue through Full Participation.” An interactive Q&A session allowed stakeholders to seek clarification on implementation timelines and policy impacts.
The adoption of the unified 4% FOB charge is expected to simplify the import process, eliminate arbitrary fees, and improve Nigeria’s standing in global trade performance metrics.
