Customs
Customs dismisses claim of outsourcing its promotion examinations.

–says it only uses external CBT centres.
“We set the questions, we invigilated the exams– Maiwada
Funso OLOJO
The Nigeria Customs Service has debunked the claims in some quarters that it outsourced the conduct of the just concluded promotion examinations to external examiners, saying such insinuation was baseless, ill-informed and unfounded.
A freight forwarder and the National Coordinator of the 100 per cent Compliance team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF), Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, in a public statement, had alleged that the Customs outsourced its recently concluded promotion examinations to outsiders, urging the service to make use of its two training schools in Lagos and Kano.
In a swift reaction, the National Customs Public Relations Officer(NCPRO) SCS Abdullahi Maiwada, dismissed the allegation, describing it as untrue, ill-informed and given from a position of ignorance.
According to him, the Service did not outsource its recently concluded promotion examinations nor any other similar exams to external examiners.
He disclosed that what happened was that the service only used external platforms such as the Computer- based Test( CBT) centres where the questions were uploaded for the officers to answer.
He went further to inform the peddlers of the falsehood that the questions, the examiners and the invigilators were all from the Customs.
Speaking exclusively with our reporter, Maiwada said that in the same way the JAMB conducts its exams, using external CBT centres, so also the Customs does.
He however declared that if the customs training schools were to be used for the examinations, it would take a minimum of three months because of the sheer number of officers involved.
Moreso, the two customs training colleges at Lagos and Kano, according to him, are not equipped for such exercise as they lack the basic infrastructure to conduct CBT.
He noted the schools are not meant for such exercise but to train and retrain officers.
“We did not outsource the customs promotion examinations. We only used external platforms such as the CBT centres to conduct the examinations.
“If we were to use our training colleges, it would take us three months to finish because of the sheer number of officers involved and the fact that Customs do not have the facilities to conduct CBT.
“We only uploaded the questions to the external platforms.
“The training schools do not have the requisite infrastructure to conduct CBT.
“You cannot use training schools to conduct exams for about 3000 to 4000 staff who sat for the recent exams
“Customs training schools are not meant to conduct CBT. They are meant for training and retraining of officers.
“Just like JAMB does in its exams when it uses external CBT platforms to conduct its exams by uploading the questions it sets into these external CBT centres for students.
“Same way the Customs conducts its promotion examinations by using external infrastructure.
“But the questions, the examiners and invigilators are ours.
“We merely uploaded the questions at our discretion. They didn’t conduct the exams for us.
“And immediately you submit the objective part of the questions, you get your scores.
“However, for the CSC to AC, AC to DC and DC to Comptrollers, you write an essay in addition to the obj questions.
“Also from AC to DC and DC to Comptroller, there is an interview session.
“However, any other ranks, it is Obj and immediately you submit your questions, you get your scores.
“Those who sat for this year’s exams are in excess of 4000 staff.
”DC- COMPT are 141, AC-DC are 165 , CSC-AC are 700, SC-CSC are between 2000 to 3000.
“It took a week, Monday to Friday, August 19th- August 23rd, 2024 to conduct the exams.
“From CSC-AC -DC- COMPT, they all sat for their exams in Abuja on Monday, August 19th,2024.
“But other ranks, because of their sheer numbers, wrote their exams at the four Customs zones in the country.
“These are Zone A in Lagos, Zone B in Kaduna, Zone C in Port Harcourt and Zone D in Bauchi” the Customs spokesman concluded.
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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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