Nigeria Customs Unveils New 4% FOB Charge to Replace Multiple Levies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to overhaul its import levy structure by introducing a single 4% Free on Board (FOB) charge to replace the existing range of charges.

Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi announced at a town hall session in Lagos on July 21, 2025. The streamlined levy will eliminate both the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge and the 7% collection fee.

“Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease automatically. In addition, the 7% cost of collection currently charged will also be completely removed,” he explained.

“Under the new Act, the 4% FOB is paid upfront—and that’s it. Thereafter, 100% of the revenue generated by Customs will go into the Federation Account. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The initiative is part of a broader reform that includes the rollout of “B’Odogwu,” a domestic digital customs platform designed to enhance trade efficiency and transparency.

Participants at the town hall welcomed the move but raised concerns over potential system transition challenges, especially with bank-related processes.

Deputy Comptroller-General Kikelomo Adeola underscored the importance of the B’Odogwu platform, noting that it could place Nigeria at the forefront of global customs modernisation. 

Saleh Ahmadu of the Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) pledged ongoing investment in infrastructure to ensure seamless implementation.