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Customs

Hike in duty exchange rate threatens Customs’ N5.1 trillion revenue target, as agents lament impact on import business

The Eyewitness Reporter 

The latest hike in the Customs duty exchange rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has thrown the freight forwarding business into disarray as the practitioners are presently reeling under the heavy impact of the increase.

It would be recalled that the trading public woke up Friday, February 2nd, 2024 to the shocking news that the CBN, once again and for the umpteenth time, has jerked up the Customs duty exchange rate from N951.941 to N1, 356.888 per dollar.

The announcement, which came like a bolt out of the blue, jolted the trading public, especially the customs brokers and importers, who were still smarting from the last increase done shortly before last Christmas.

The latest hike has thrown the customs brokers into a pensive mood as they watch the gradual decline in their business.

“This is one hike too many ” a notable Customs broker who ply his trade in Apapa port but craved for anonymity, lamented.

“It is now clear that this government is determined to ruin and run us out of business.

“When we are yet to get over the effect of the last hike in December, coming with this new one barely one month after, is a killer punch” he declared with a tinge of pain in his voice.

“Who could afford to pay between N10 million to N14 million customs duty on 40 footer container as a result of the latest hike?” he asked rhetorically.

” Even, if you manage to pay, the consumers will bear the brunt as the importers will automatically pass on the buck” he noted.

Prince Ozo Chukwurah, the Vice Chairman, the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), aligned with the position of the anonymous respondent.

“As of October 2023, the duty rate on 40 footer container was in the region of N5 million. We were then trying to cope with that.
“Now, you will need more than N9 million to clear the same container with the latest increase and the exchange rate will continue to go up” the ANLCA chieftain lamented.
Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, the Coordinator of the 100 percent compliance team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF) spoke with similar pain in his voice.
” Even if you import shit( faeces) in a 40-foot container, you will pay nothing less than N10 million as customs duty as a result of this latest increase. For others, you could pay between N12 million to N15 million” he stated.
” But I bet you, all these will go back to the masses because the importer will get his money back while the masses, the final consumers, will bear the brunt.” Alhaji Ibrahim said.
He expressed anger at the insensitivity of the CBN whom he accused of raising the exchange rate for customs duty at the drop of the hat.
” My anger is that anytime the exchange rate rises in the forex market, the CBN will quickly raise the rate for Customs duty but will not bring it down when there is a fall in the exchange rate in the foreign exchange market” he lamented.
He disclosed that there is a massive hunger in the land.
” It is even fair in Lagos because of its status as the commercial capital of the country but go to other towns and cities, especially in the rural areas where people are suffering. “
” Could you imagine that a bag of beans in the North where it is produced is now about N80,000?
“How much will it sell in Lagos when it gets there” he asked rhetorically.
However, all the respondents believe that the rising exchange rate for duty will affect the realisation of the N5.1 trillion revenue target of the customs.
They said the situation will lead to a drastic drop in importation as many importers will either abandon their cargo at the ports for those whose consignments are caught in the web of the latest hike or refuse to bring in goods due to the increase.
“There will be less importation because of the scarcity of dollars and the hike in the exchange rate for customs duty.
“This will have a negative impact on the revenue target of customs”
” Even if they manage to collect it, the amount will be worthless in the face of the rising inflation in the country. It won’t have much impact on the economy” Chukwurah noted.
Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim said importers will cease importation to study the situation because the foreign exchange market is volatile and highly unpredictable.
” This rate will keep rising. I heard that in a little while, the CBN will still increase the customs duty exchange rate to N1,500 per dollar based on its penchant to respond to the increase in the forex market” he claimed.
The respondents were therefore unanimous in their views that it would be an uphill task for the customs to meet its revenue target this year due to the harsh operating environment at the Ports
” Revenue targets are proposals and the Customs don’t have to kill themselves and the clearing agents in their efforts to meet them,” Prince Chukwurah said.
” I am very sure the Customs officers too don’t like what is happening because they too are Nigerians who are not immune against the hardship in the country.
” We all go to the same markets” Alhaji Ibrahim, the NAGAFF chieftain observed.
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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Customs

SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”

– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’,  the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.
Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.
She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.
“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.
Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.
She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.
“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.
SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.
The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.
 For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.
About ‘Novara’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.
 Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.
Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.
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Customs

Customs seeks strong commitment to war against narcotics trafficking in Nigeria

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
–renews partnership with NDLEA for effective operations
The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned that weak and uncoordinated institutional fight against drug trafficking may undermine Nigeria’ s standing in international community.
Leading a high- powered Customs delegation to a strategic meeting with the leadership of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held at the headquarters of the anti- narcotics agency on Monday, April 27th, 2026, Adeniyi said that Nigeria must show strong commitment, clinical enforcement and transparency in its fight against narcotics trafficking in order to enhance the confidence of international community.
Addressing the joint meeting between the top- ranked Customs officers and the leadership of the NDLEA led by its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Customs boss stated that narcotics trafficking is in the front burner of discussions at international fora and the West African corridor is under serious scrutiny.
Adeniyi further declared that the fight against drug trafficking now goes beyond domestic enforcement, warning that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners depends largely on how effectively local institutions work together.
“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table, narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch.”
“The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them.
“If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened,” CGC Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss disclosed that the Service had continued to make major seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.
 Adeniyi, however, stressed that interdiction alone was not enough, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction procedures.
 “Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is incomplete.”, he declared.
The Customs boss proposed a fresh framework between both agencies, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not arrested, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and standing liaison channels at command level.
“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” the CGC declared.
Responding, the NDLEA Chairman described the concerns raised by Customs as legitimate and timely, assuring that the agency remains committed to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.
“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid concerns.
“We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures.” Marwa noted.
The NDLEA boss proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by both agencies under previous administrations.
According to him, the committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships, stating, “Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration.”
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