About two weeks after it suspended the four per cent Free-on-Board FOB levy imposed on imports into the country, the Nigeria Customs Service NCS has announced the cancellation of all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the levy.

According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the cancellation had become necessary in order to eliminate any ambiguity, ensure clarity, maintain consistency in Customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes. The Service has also sequel to this cancellation, directed affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders, who made declarations under the suspended regime to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their consignments.

While assuring the trading community of the Service’s commitment to openness and transparency in its engagements with stakeholders, he further noted that the current management would leave no stone unturned in its steadfast implementation of government fiscal policies in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He therefore urged them to take advantage of the current window to clear their goods.

The statement reads in part: “Sequel to the earlier 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 urged 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 nationwide have been directed to provide the necessary assistance 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 stakeholders. 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.”