The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has stepped in to address recent tensions at the ports following a consultation meeting between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and stakeholders on the proposed review of licensing renewal fees for Licensed Customs Agents.
At the meeting, convened pursuant to Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the NCS engaged the leadership of freight forwarding associations to discuss the changes. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stressed that enforcement of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) rate remains non-negotiable, describing it as an extant provision of the new Act.
As part of recent policy changes, the NCS announced the removal of the 7% payment on total annual revenue collection and the 1% Comprehensive Inspection and Supervision Scheme (CISS), with immediate effect from its online portal.
The meeting also addressed ongoing migration hitches from the NICIS 2 platform to the B’Odogwu platform, with directives for prompt resolution.
However, the proposed hike in licensing fees sparked resistance from freight forwarding associations, who described the adjustment as excessive. The groups requested additional time to consult with their members and present a collective position to the NCS management by December.
According to the CCC, discussions have so far fostered mutual understanding between all parties, with a commitment to pursue fair negotiations. The committee urged practitioners to remain calm, comply with regulations, and continue their operations without disruption.
Reaffirming its commitment to a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment, the CCC called on all stakeholders to work together to safeguard the interests of every party involved.
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