The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has called on the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to eliminate the issue of tax duplication on freights, which it says is driving up the cost of doing business in the country.
Speaking in a media interview on Sunday, the Head Researcher at SEREC, Mr. Eugene Nweke, highlighted the pressing need to address excessive taxes, overlapping charges, and duplicated regulatory functions in the freight sector.
“There are too many taxes, charges, and overlapping responsibilities across agencies. This is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a regional trans-shipment hub,” Nweke stated.
He warned that if left unaddressed, the continued imposition of duplicate levies could deter investment and force existing businesses to shut down. He further expressed concern about the planned reintroduction of new charges, including a proposed four per cent levy for customs operation funding.
Nweke also called on freight forwarders to play an active role in ensuring supply chain security through compliance with standard import regulations. He urged practitioners to steer clear of facilitating the entry of substandard, counterfeit, and hazardous goods into the country.
Highlighting the importance of regional integration, Nweke emphasized the critical role of freight forwarders in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The AfCFTA presents a significant opportunity for the shipping and logistics sector. Its proper implementation can attract more vessels to Nigeria and stimulate economic growth,” he concluded.
<span;>on on freights, which it says is driving up the cost of doing business in the country.
Speaking in a media interview on Sunday, the Head Researcher at SEREC, Mr. Eugene Nweke, highlighted the pressing need to address excessive taxes, overlapping charges, and duplicated regulatory functions in the freight sector.
“There are too many taxes, charges, and overlapping responsibilities across agencies. This is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a regional trans-shipment hub,” Nweke stated.
He warned that if left unaddressed, the continued imposition of duplicate levies could deter investment and force existing businesses to shut down. He further expressed concern about the planned reintroduction of new charges, including a proposed four per cent levy for customs operation funding.
Nweke also called on freight forwarders to play an active role in ensuring supply chain security through compliance with standard import regulations. He urged practitioners to steer clear of facilitating the entry of substandard, counterfeit, and hazardous goods into the country.
Highlighting the importance of regional integration, Nweke emphasized the critical role of freight forwarders in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The AfCFTA presents a significant opportunity for the shipping and logistics sector. Its proper implementation can attract more vessels to Nigeria and stimulate economic growth,” he concluded.
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