Headlines

Nigeria’s tariff system is fraudulent – Prof. Badejo

Funso OLOJO

Professor Bamidele Badejo, the Chairman of the Lagos State Professorial Endowment on Transport and Logistics Studies, School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has described Nigeria’s tariff system as fraudulent and fraught with corruption.

Badejo, who made this observation in his lecture at the 19th Transquest Anniversary/Transport Development Symposium and Awards ceremony in Lagos, claimed that the Nigerian government has no scientific application to justify the plethora of tariffs imposed on Nigerians, saying the tariff regime is done with a rule of thumb.

” If you don’t understand the concept of trade and don’t look at the intricacies of trade, how do you develop your tariff system?

“Most of the tariffs government generated, most of the tariffs we established are just done by mere by rule of thumb.

” There are no scientific applications to justify how these tariff rates were arrived at.

” Someone will just wake up and say, oh, doing shipping business is more expensive in Nigeria than any of the West African countries.

” There are no scientific analyses to back up such claim” the University don declared.

Badejo, who delivered a paper on the theme of the Symposium titled ” Harnessing Nigeria’s Trade Tariff System for Economic Growth: Curbing Influx of fraudulent imports through the Nigerian Ports” accused officials of revenue-collecting government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) as arrogant and corrupt who like to play God.

The University don decried the chaotic state of Nigeria’s ports which he said are still enmeshed in corruption and lack of transparency in its operations.

He further said the government uses tariffs to achieve economic growth and political goals.

“Tariffs have historically been a tool for government to collect revenue.

” Also, they are a way for the government to try to protect domestic producers. Thereby using the tariff as a protectionist tool.

“Generally, applying tariffs increases the prices of imports. Tariffs are imposed by the government, no individual or organization can determine tariff rates or duties.

” In today’s global economy, many products bought by consumers have parts from other countries as a result, it can also affect products made in the home country.

“There is a huge conflict between economists and other disciplines, they argue that tariffs when imposed create market distortions that can actually harm domestic consumers over time.

“Tariffs could also be used for retaliation between countries because of their political differences.

” Nevertheless, the process of determining tariff rates involves a combination of economic, political, international and strategic considerations.

” Overall, governments impose tariffs based on what is needed to protect domestic industries, address trade imbalances, or respond to unfair trade practices.

“Tariffs, in addition, could be used as political tools to manage relationships.

“Tariff setting therefore involves complex negotiation and considerations of possible retaliation with trading partners.

“In other words, tariffs are used to restrict imports by increasing the price of goods and services purchased from another country by making them less attractive to domestic consumption.

The convener of the annual lecture, Felix Femi Kumuyi, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Transquest magazine, said the anniversary Transport Development Symposium and Lecture was the modest contribution of his organization to the economic growth of the country.

He lamented the hypocrisy of government agencies in supporting laudable workshops like the one his organization has packaged, accusing them of seeking to support the ones that will massage the ego of their paymasters

“It’s unfortunate that the level of participation and the seriousness these kinds of workshops should attract, especially from our government agencies/institutions, has not been forthcoming, other than politically motivated, organizational talk shops.

“Going forward, the theme of this year’s TransQuest Lecture/Award programme is Harnessing Nigeria’s Trade Tariff System for Economic Growth, which has been carefully chosen in the face of accusations and counter-accusations relating to tax and over-taxing of imports.

“Can we achieve a harmonious Trade Tariff System or Tax regime that is proportionate and in tandem with the prevailing realities?

”In the last one year, opinions on this matter have been as divided as it has been and seemingly straight jacketed; with government camp notorious for shying away from realistic appraisals and objective stakeholders engagements.

“Knowing that Tariffs are trade barriers that raise prices, reduce available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers, and can create an economic burden on foreign exporters, there should be a harmonious mechanism that the government and various industry players should adapt to, irrespective of the excuses of dollar to naira exchange rates which keeps the tariff system in perpetual fluctuation in past years,”

The event was attended by industry players such as the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, freight forwarders, maritime lawyers and government agencies.

The occasion, which was also used to unveil the new edition of Transquest magazine, served as a platform where notable industry players such as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who was represented as the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Jean Anishere and others, were celebrated with awards of excellence.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.