Customs
Lagos FOU realises 242.251m from DN—-intercepts hemp, carbide, others with N3.1bn DPVs

Eyewitness reporter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone A has intercepted hemp, drums of carbide (explosives), and other items with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.1 billion naira.
The Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman, in a statement in Lagos today, said the seizures were made from Feb. 9 till date.
According to him, 80 means of conveyance (Vehicles used in the conveyance of seized goods) were seized, pointing to the fact that smugglers are unrelenting and adamant at complying with the extant laws on international trade.
“It is important to note that importation of items such as foreign frozen poultry products, secondhand clothing, spaghetti, toothpicks, used vehicles and rice across land borders, and many more, remains banned.
“Within the period under review, the unit recorded the following seizures: 20,538 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,106 cartons of frozen poultry product, 1,488 kegs of PMS at 25 litres each, 1,035 bales of secondhand clothing.
“Others are 77 cartons of tin tomatoes, 2,843.6 kg of Indian Hemp, 877 bundles of printed wax/textile materials, 29 different brands of used vehicles, 2,969 cartons of Eva soap, 42 drums of carbide (explosives) 549 cartons of Tramadol, and 12 units of used motorcycles with DPV of N 3.1 billion,” he said.
Yahaya said that in the area of interventions regarding Demand Notices arising from underpayments, the unit realised N242, 251,506.00 during the period under review.
He said that Section 158 of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 as amended, had given them powers to patrol and search everywhere without restrictions.
The Comptroller said that Section 147 of the same CEMA empowered them to enter into any premises without a search warrant, provided there was credible information on prohibited items deposited therein for the customs to strike.
“The power to seize and prosecute offenders is also embedded in Sections 46 and 47 respectively. It is instructive to know that offenders are liable to prosecution without the option of a fine.
“A total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. Two out of the nine have been charged to court while the other seven are on administrative bail,” he said.
He urged everyone to be worried about smuggling because it begot unemployment, drug addiction, criminality, the proliferation of light and small arms, substandard goods, and so on.
“You can imagine what will happen if 42 drums of Carbide (explosives) had entered wrong hands.
“We need your continuous cooperation by providing credible information to continue to hold sway in the fight against smuggling,” he said
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Customs
Apapa Customs concludes three-day refresher training for promoted senior officers

Funso OLOJO
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has concluded
a three-day refresher training programme for its newly promoted Deputy Controllers (DCs) and Assistant Controllers (ACs).
Declaring the training open on Monday, 10 February 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, emphasised the Command’s commitment to continuous professional development.
“For newly promoted DCs, you are captains of vital entry and exit points and responsible for overseeing all operations, among others.
” Your leadership skill must be instrumental in optimising efficiency and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within your terminals”, the CAC stated.
He also highlighted the newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers’ crucial role.
“Similarly, for the ACs, you are gatekeepers responsible for the final checks and approvals that allow goods to move in and out of the port.
“Your attention to detail and understanding of regulation, among others, is paramount in preventing revenue leakages and ensuring national security”, he added.
Comptroller Olomu described the training as an interactive forum for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and clarifying any ambiguities in Customs procedures.
He assured of the Service’s management team’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and support required for the success of personnel.
Customs
Customs buckles as it suspends implementation of 4 per cent FOB charge

Funso OLOJO
In a manner demonstrative of a listening administration,the management of the Nigeria Customs service has suspended the implementation of the controversial 4 per cent Free on Board(FOB) charge on imports.
The suspension followed the outcry that greeted the implementation of the novel charge which importers and their agents said was jumped on them by the customs without notice nor consultation.
To allow enough time for stakeholders’ consultation and sensitization, the Customs said the suspension was sequel to the ongoing discussion with the Minister of Finance, Mr Adewale Edun.
In a press statement by the Customs management , the service disclosed that the timing of the suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).
” The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hereby announces the suspension of the
implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023.
“This is sequel to ongoing
consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun and other Stakeholders.
“This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.
“This presents an opportunity to
review our revenue framework holistically.
“Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs
modernisation efforts.
“The new Act addresses these
challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of
imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.
“This transition period will allow the Service to optimise the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s interests better.
“The Act further empowers the Service to modernise its operations through
various technological innovations.
“Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023 authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders.
“The Service is already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster clearance times and improved transparency.
“Other innovative solutions authorised
by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).
“The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with
stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for
sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.
“The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate.
“We will communicate the revised implementation timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations” the service promised.
Customs
We feel your pains — Customs seeks support of stakeholders over introduction of 4 percent levy on customs operations

Funso OLOJO
Nigeria Customs service has explained the rationale behind the introduction of the 4 percent levy on the value of imported goods which has now become a subject of controversy among the freight forwarders.
The levy, which is the 4 percent Free on Board (FOB) of imported goods, was introduced into the assessment notice of a cargo declarant.
This has caused an outrage among stakeholders, especially the freight forwarders who have vowed to resist it.
However, in its official reaction to the new fee, the Customs management sought the understanding of the agitated stakeholders, acknowledging their importance relevance and invaluable contributions to the emergence of the new Customs Act.
Explaining the rationale behind the new fee, the Customs said this was in line with the provisions of the Customs Act of 2023.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) proudly recognises the invaluable
contributions of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
“This landmark legislation, which replaces the long-standing
Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and other related laws is a product of extensive consultations, constructive dialogue, and collaborative efforts with key industry players, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
“Their insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation and strengthens transparency in customs operations.
“In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is
implementing a 4% 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”
The customs also acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders over the
sustained collection of 1 pet cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee (a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection
Scheme) alongside the 4% FOB charge.
“As a responsive and responsible 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” the service pledged
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fair
trade practices, and efficient revenue management.
“All stakeholders are urged to
support this legally binding initiative, as the measures introduced in alignment with the NCSA 2023 reflects a balanced approach born out of extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies, the service concluded.
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