Tag: customs

The Sea Empowerment & Research Centre (SEREC) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over its 21-day ultimatum to 223 importers to regularise their Temporary Admission Permits (TAP).

The centre described the move as a bold step towards boosting trade compliance and recovering over N380 billion in revenue.

The NCS, effective July 28, 2025, issued defaulting importers a three-week grace period to either re-export goods, apply for permit extensions, or convert goods to home use by paying the applicable duties, warning that failure to comply would attract enforcement actions including bond invocation, penalties, or legal proceedings.

Reacting to the development, Freight Forwarder and Head of Research at SEREC, Eugene Nweke, lauded the Customs’ action as timely and necessary.

“The present management team deserves commendation for taking this bold step, thus sending the right signal towards prompt trade compliance and recovery of huge revenue infractions to the government through this process,” he said in a statement.

According to the centre, TAP is a globally accepted customs regime that permits temporary importation of goods without full duties and taxes, provided the items are re-exported within a stipulated time. It is designed to support trade by allowing the temporary movement of goods, such as professional equipment, medical devices, or exhibition materials, without permanent importation.

Read Also: Oluwo lauds Customs CG for tackling porous border

In Nigeria, the TAP framework, Nweke said, is regulated by Sections 142 to 144 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and aligns with the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The key features include a requirement that goods must not be altered beyond normal depreciation and must strictly be re-exported or cleared appropriately before expiry.

The group noted that while TAP offers vital cost-saving and trade facilitation benefits, it has suffered persistent abuse by some importers, resulting in substantial revenue leakages for the government.

“TAP was created to help businesses, not to serve as a loophole for evasion. Its abuse over the years has undermined customs efficiency and national revenue collection,” Nweke stressed.

The Service, in a statement, warned that importers who fail to take corrective action within the 21-day grace period will face strict penalties. These enforcement measures include the invocation of bonds, whereby Customs will deduct the bond value as duty payment into the government account. In addition, financial penalties will be imposed on non-compliant importers, while persistent defaulters may face legal action in accordance with the provisions of the law.

SEREC further urged Customs to extend the enforcement drive to the growing backlog of empty containers littering the nation’s ports, many of which also fall under the TAP regime. The group said many of these containers fall under the TAP framework and should be regulated accordingly.

“Containers fall under TAP applications, and Customs must also apply these corrective measures to address the dumping of empty containers in our ports. This will help reduce congestion and restore order in the shipping environment,” Nweke said.

He added that failure to re-export containers in line with TAP regulations has become a major contributor to the inefficiency and gridlock that characterises the nation’s ports, affecting cargo throughput and inflating logistics costs for businesses.

SEREC urged sustained monitoring and enforcement to ensure that TAP continues to serve its intended purpose as a trade facilitation tool, rather than a revenue leakage channel.

“This is a chance to strengthen the TAP framework, restore compliance culture among importers, and support a healthier trade ecosystem,” Nweke concluded.

With the 21-day window now in effect and Customs under pressure to enforce discipline, stakeholders see the move as a critical test of regulatory resolve and a potential turning point in the country’s efforts to modernise its trade operations and protect national revenue.

The Nigeria Customs Service is set to replace its seven per cent Customs collection fees from the Federation Account and 1 per cent.

Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) with 4 per cent  Free On Board (FOB).

levy at the port, for the quick implementation of a world-class Customs modernisation programme through its newly introduced B’Odogwu Clearance System, across the country.

The one per cent CISS is a pre-shipment inspection fee, while the 4 per cent FOB is a charge based on the value of goods loaded onto the ship.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders on B’Odogwu Clearance System in Lagos, yesterday, the Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the Customs will use the 4 per cent FOB levy to address concerns about the simultaneous collection of the 1 per cent CISS fees and the seven per cent Customs collection fee from the federation account.

The high-level engagement, held in Ikeja, brought together importers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, terminal operators, banks and other  financial institutions, and other critical stakeholders to discuss reforms aimed at improving trade compliance, clearance efficiency, and technological modernisation.

The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including transportation costs up to the port of loading, is supposed to serve as a measure to enhance the Customs’ operational efficiency

Adeniyi however, told the stakeholders at the meeting that with the indigenously developed trade platform (B’Odogwu), that the service had no choice than to re-introduce the levy in order to enhance its operational efficiency and fund the technology and modernisation programme of the Service.

Read Also: Customs improving revenue with reforms

At the heart of the modernisation and transformation of the operations of the Service, he said “is the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu a fully digital platform designed to streamline customs operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and promote transparency in Nigeria’s import and export systems.”

The CGC added that as the service is gradually migrating from the NICIS II platform to indigenous trade platform, the new platform requires a lot of money to fund it to international standard.

He disclosed that funding such techniogical evolution requires a lot of money and that the service has invested heavily in the process.

The Controller -General sought the support and the understanding of stakeholders that the introduction of the 4 per cent FOB is inevitable if Nigeria is to enjoy the dividends of this new technological innovation as done in other clime

”We have no choice in the payment of the 4 per cent FOB because it is needed by the Customs to fund the huge technology and modernisation programme it has embarked upon.

“The 4 per cent is not a new thing.

God bless the soul of the late President Mohammedu Buhari who saw the need for extra funding before the provision was included in the Customs Act of 2023.

“When we introduced this levy some months ago, we were asked to hold on and consult with our stakeholders.

“I am now telling you that we have no choice than to introduce the levy because technology does not come cheap and in a Yoruba parlance ‘ the soup that is sweet is as a result of money,” he said.

He added that now that Nigeria is the Chairman of the WCO Council Chairperson, the Nigeria Customs would use B’Odogwu to show the world that the Service has the capacity and competence to develop its own indigenous technology that will enhance its operations.

” Now it is going to be B’Odogwu to the world.

Now that we have the WCO Council Chairmanship with us,let use the opportunity to sell B’Odogwu to the world and tell them that we have the capacity and competence to develop our own technology to enhance our operations and facilitate trade,” he said.

He told the stakeholders that there would be no extra charges after the 4 per cent FOB as this would replace the 1per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the 7 per cent they are collecting from the federation account

B’Odogwu integrates key customs functions like declaration processing, risk management, duty calculation, permit issuance, manifest handling, and cargo tracking all within one intelligent and centralized system.

This innovation empowers Customs officers, licensed agents, and government agencies with real-time access, automated workflows, and reliable data to ensure faster clearance, better revenue collection, and enhanced compliance with international trade standards

Adeniyi also clarified that the 4% FOB charge will replace the existing 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee, without imposing additional burdens on importers.”

It was in 2023, that the Federal Government through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), signed a 20-year Concession Agreement with Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd for the implementation of a world-class customs modernisation programme to boost trade at the port, Air Port and border stations across the countryside.

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday in Lagos pledged to create inclusive development opportunities in underserved communities.

He made the promise during the inauguration of the renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Araromi, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos, as part of its national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

The project was executed by NCS, Tin Can Island Port Command and included the provision of modern learning facilities, distribution of educational materials and free medical service for pupils and members of the community.

 The CG said the project aligned with his long-term vision, adding that the intervention was designed not only to improve learning environments but also to give underprivileged children a chance to dream and aspire.

The project, which benefits 2,000 pupils, is a key element of Customs’ wider 2025 plan to reach 10 million Nigerians across education, health, ICT, water access, and youth empowerment.

 “Our target for 2025 is to reach 50,000 students with learning materials and touch the lives of 10 million Nigerians across our six CSR pillars, which include education, health, water access, ICT, creative industry, and sports development. So far, we’ve reached about 10,000 students—3,000 of whom are in Lagos—and today, 2,000 pupils will benefit directly from this school project,” Adeniyi said.

Read Also: SEREC backs Customs’ digital push to crush smuggling cartels

He announced that the NCS will also intervene in rehabilitating the nearby Maracana Stadium, a popular grassroots sports hub in Ajegunle, as part of its broader support for youth and talent development.

“The Maracana Stadium will be our next stop. We will partner with the local government to improve sports infrastructure, and when we’re done, all Customs controllers in Zone A will challenge the Ajeromi executives to a football match—and I can assure you, we will win,” Adeniyi declared. “

The CGC emphasised that the Customs’ CSR efforts were in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We’re not in competition with any other agency. This is our way of giving back to the communities that host and support us,” he said, adding that the Service had adopted the school and would return in December for a Christmas celebration with the pupils.

The CGC also used the opportunity to reflect on the value of education, narrating how he defended his PhD thesis earlier that morning, stating, “Education changed my life. I started from Modakeke High School and ended up as Comptroller-General of Customs.”

He lauded the Tin Can Island Port Command for initiating the project and praised the support of stakeholders.

He said Tin Can Port is the country’s second busiest port, generating billions of naira just a kilometer from the school, noting: “It’s only fitting that we reciprocate by investing in the community,” he said.

Adeniyi further revealed that the Service had begun plans for a Customs University of Trade, Commerce, and Technology in Badagry, Lagos, for which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had already allocated 50 hectares of land.

“This project has been approved in the 2025 budget, and we’re excited to begin construction this year,” he stated.

The commissioning ceremony drew commendations from state officials, community leaders, and lawmakers, all of whom hailed Customs for setting a new benchmark for government agencies.

Head of the Customs CSR Unit, Comptroller M.P. Ibrahim, said the initiative, branded Customs Cares, was a strategic move to humanize the Service’s operations, stating: “Under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, our CSR is now about bridging the gap between service and society. This is what responsible public service looks like.”

Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Obih, described the renovation as the start of “a transformative journey” in Customs-community relations, noting: “This is not a one-off. Our adoption of this school means we’re in it for the long term.”

For the Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the project has been a labour of love.

“The excitement from the pupils and their teachers was enough to spur us on. It was worth every effort,” he said, expressing gratitude to Customs leadership and project partners.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, thanked the Service for complementing the state’s education development plan. “With this new outlook—equipped classrooms, a playground, and teaching resources, students now have a conducive environment to learn and grow,” he said.

Member of the House of Representatives representing Ajeromi Ifelodun, Adeboye Paul, said the project reflects a growing sense of responsibility among public institutions. According

According to him, “This is a call to action for other agencies to follow suit. Customs has shown what is possible.”

Hon. Adeboye Paul, who represents Ajeromi Ifelodun in the House of Representatives, described the intervention as a challenge to other agencies. “Customs has set a new benchmark for public institutions. Others must follow,” he said.

Similarly, the traditional ruler of Apapa Kingdom, Oba Muhammed Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, declared: “You are the first agency to do something of this magnitude in this community. NPA and others should emulate this. And please, let there be a maintenance plan.”

Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA,  Fatai Ayoola, described the intervention as historic.

“Since 1977, this is the first time Tin Can Port is giving back in this manner. We urge Customs to do more, especially with youth centres around the Maracana Stadium,” he said.

In the same vein, the Education Secretary of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Barr. Abiola Remi Williams, expressed joy over the project, noting it placed the community on the map.

“This is a unique edifice. From the Navy to the Army, and now Customs, we’re building a tradition of excellence,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Engr. Banjo Adegboyega, thanked the Service and urged sustained maintenance.

“The structure meets our standard. But let’s maintain it as if it were our home,” he urged.

For the headmistress, Esther Ogunfuyi, the event was a dream come true.

She said: This transformation we see around us is more than just new walls, fresh paint or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potentials of our pupil, your commitment to quality education and your desire to make a lasting difference.

“By renovating our school, you have given us a renewed sense of pride and hope, and by adopting us, you have gone even further, you are committed to walking this journey with us offering continued support and partnership that will shape the future of our learners.

“We do not take this for granted, your generosity has created a safer, more inspiring and more dignified environment for teaching and learning.”