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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.
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Headlines

Safari Valley Eco Resort targets Nigerian market as NANTA concludes Ghana retreat

 

–as Ghana’s deputy tourism Minister advocates stronger Nigeria-Ghana tourism partnership

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Safari Valley Eco Resort in Dawu, Ghana’s Eastern Region, is intensifying efforts to attract more Nigerian tourists following the conclusion of a five-day familiarisation tour and executive retreat by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA).

The visit culminated in an executive dinner held on Tuesday, July 21st, at Safari Valley Eco Resort, where tourism stakeholders from Nigeria and Ghana reaffirmed their commitment to promoting intra-African travel and deepening cross-border tourism partnerships.

A major highlight of the retreat was NANTA’s engagement with key players in Ghana’s tourism industry, giving the Nigerian delegation first-hand experience of the country’s tourism offerings while exploring opportunities to develop attractive travel packages for Nigerian travellers.

Ghana Seeks Stronger Tourism Collaboration

Addressing participants, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Tourism called for closer collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana, urging both countries to leverage their shared history, cultural affinity and longstanding relationship to stimulate tourism growth.

The minister noted that Nigeria remains one of Ghana’s most strategic tourism source markets, a position consistently reinforced by the Ghana Tourism Authority through initiatives aimed at attracting more Nigerian visitors.

Participants also echoed calls for African countries to reduce travel barriers and ease cross-border movement to unlock the continent’s enormous tourism and economic potential.

Safari World Showcases West African Tourism Vision

Hosting the Nigerian delegation was Safari World, the parent company of Safari Valley Eco Resort, founded by renowned forest scientist and conservationist Samuel Afari.

Speaking during the engagement, Afari described the visit as a significant milestone in advancing the vision of an integrated West African tourism market.

“We at Safari World are very excited to welcome our Nigerian colleagues from NANTA.

“Throughout our discussions with the association, particularly with its President, Dr. Yinka Folami, it has been encouraging to see that ‘Africa for Africa’ remains a shared agenda for both parties,” he said.

He added that the visit provides an opportunity to transform that shared vision into practical partnerships while strengthening the enduring brotherly relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

“We look forward to welcoming more Nigerian visitors and showcasing authentic Ghanaian hospitality and leisure—the Safari World way,” Afari said.

Speaking passionately about his investment, Afari highlighted the role Nigerians have played in transforming business opportunities across Africa.

He described Safari Valley as the fulfilment of a vision centred on conservation, eco-tourism and nature-based experiences, adding that the resort also seeks to unlock the immense potential of maritime and leisure tourism in the sub-region.

Building a Multi-Destination Tourism Brand

Safari World is steadily positioning itself as one of Ghana’s most diversified tourism brands through its integrated city, riverfront and forest destinations.

Its tourism portfolio spans Accra, Ada and Dawu, offering visitors a blend of eco-tourism, hospitality, leisure and cultural experiences tailored to both domestic and international markets, with Nigeria identified as a priority market.

NANTA President, Dr. Yinka Folami, who led the Nigerian delegation, said the association would encourage host destinations to stage its conferences for at least two consecutive years to deepen partnerships and maximise tourism and business opportunities.
Expanding Opportunities for Nigerian Travellers.

The collaboration is expected to open up new travel packages for Nigerian tourists, particularly in eco-tourism, coastal tourism and community-based experiences.

Driven largely by private sector partnerships and supported by government efforts to strengthen regional tourism, the initiative is expected to enhance travel exchanges between the two countries.

Safari Valley’s renewed focus on the Nigerian market comes at a time when tourism stakeholders across West Africa are advocating easier visa processes, stronger regional cooperation and policies that will accelerate the growth of Africa’s tourism economy.

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Headlines

TransQuest media rallies stakeholders to  chart Nigeria’s blue economy future at symposium

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter 

Stakeholders in the maritime and logistics industries will converge in Lagos on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, for the TransQuest Anniversary Transport Development Symposium and Awards, where they will deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating sustainable growth in Nigeria’s blue economy.

The symposium, themed “Re-Appraising Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Charting a Path to Sustainable Growth,” will take place at Shoregate Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, under the chairmanship of retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Charles Eporwei Edike.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.

He is expected to outline the Federal Government’s vision for expanding the blue economy through policy reforms, infrastructure development, investment promotion and enhanced maritime governance.

The event will bring together an impressive lineup of key stakeholders, including the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei; Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna; Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Sule Abiodun; and Provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Dr. Chucks Paul Onuoha.

The panel discussion will be moderated by veteran maritime journalist Elder Asu Beks and is expected to examine critical issues ranging from maritime trade and port efficiency to inland waterways development, marine research, fisheries, Customs modernisation and investment opportunities within the blue economy.

Participants will also benefit from technical presentations by renowned maritime technocrat Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), and logistics expert Dr. Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, Head of Research at SEREC and former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

Beyond the policy dialogue, the event will celebrate excellence through the TransQuest Awards, recognising individuals and organisations whose outstanding contributions have advanced Nigeria’s maritime, transport and Customs sectors.
Among the top honourees is the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who will receive the Maritime Personality of the Year Award, while the Nigerian Ports Authority will be honoured as Maritime Agency of the Year for its transformational achievements in port infrastructure, operational efficiency and ongoing port modernisation initiatives under his leadership.

Several Nigeria Customs Service Area Controllers will also be recognised for exceptional performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation. They include Comptroller Joseph Anani (Tin Can Island Port Command), Comptroller G.I. Aliyu (Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’), Comptroller Godwin Otunla (Murtala Muhammed Airport Command), Comptroller Hawa Abubakar (Lagos Free Trade Zone Command), Comptroller Shuaibu Kaila (Seme Area Command), and Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole.

The awards will equally spotlight emerging Customs leaders, including Comptroller O.O. Afeni of Ogun I Area Command for his anti-smuggling achievements and Comptroller Bolaji Adigun of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for pioneering operational reforms that have improved efficiency and service delivery.

Corporate organisations, maritime professionals and journalists who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and contributions to the growth of the maritime and transport sectors will also be honoured during the ceremony.

According to the organisers, the symposium is designed to serve as a strategic platform for meaningful engagement among policymakers, regulators, academics and industry practitioners, with the objective of generating practical recommendations that will unlock the enormous economic potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

The event is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Shoregate Hotel, 29 Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

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Analyses

The invisible toll gates:Why National Single Window is Nigeria’s ultimate economic battleground

Monday Discourse with  Ibrahim Nasiru
Walk into any market in Nigeria today, from the commercial hubs of Lagos to the roadside stalls in Yola, and ask why a bag of rice or an imported spare part costs three times what it did last year.
The typical public commentator will blame global inflation, floating currencies, or macro-economic shocks.
But those who understand logistics know the real truth lies buried under layers of paper, manual stamps, and artificial delays at our seaports.
Nigeria’s international trade is suffocating not from a lack of deep water, but from a deliberate design of convenience.
The recent operational rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) has triggered behind-the-scenes panic among Port cartels, and for good reason.
For decades, keeping our clearing processes fragmented, manual, and dependent on desk-to-desk human interaction was the perfect business model for syndicates.
When cargo dwell times drag on for 21 days, those delays are money in the pockets of the gatekeepers and a death sentence for local businesses.
Let us look at the raw field realities. The push by the Nigeria Customs Service to aggressively crash clearance times down to global 48-hour standards is meeting fierce internal resistance.
Why? Because a unified digital ecosystem means you cannot easily manipulate documentation, hide illicit cargo, or demand “mobilization fees” before signing off a container.
The outcry and protests from certain freight-forwarding syndicates aren’t about technical glitches; they are about the sudden closure of invisible toll gates.
This is exactly why governance at our national gateways can no longer be left to the mercy of transactional bureaucratic habits.
Building deep-sea infrastructure like Lekki Port is a massive physical achievement, but concrete and cranes are useless if the administrative processes at the gate remain backward.
 Real structural reform requires turning our Ports into automated, friction-free pipelines that prioritize production over rent-seeking.
If Nigeria wants to survive this fiscal squeeze, the National Single Window cannot just be treated as another glossy IT project launched in Abuja.
 It requires unyielding administrative enforcement to completely dismantle the corrupt cartels managing the manual desk chains.
The invisible toll gates at our Ports must be completely demolished, and that exact same structural discipline must be scaled across our border stations and trade corridors.
The era of managing international trade with 20th-century paper trails is dying. The future belongs to the builders of automated, transparent systems.
Chief Ibrahim Nasiru, a public affairs analyst,  writes from Abuja 
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