The Nigerian import landscape is experiencing fresh turbulence as the 4% Freight on Board (FOB) surcharge policy takes effect. This policy—an additional 4% duty charge on the declared FOB value of imported goods—has led to an increase in the overall payable duty and taxes by importers. However, what has further complicated matters is the inaccessibility of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) online clearance platform, which is currently undergoing a system upgrade.
A Critical Pause in Cargo Movement
Freight forwarding agents in Nigeria and clearing agents in Apapa Lagos have expressed concern over the unintended consequences of this development. With customs servers offline, stakeholders are unable to complete declarations, make necessary duty payments, or generate exit documents required for cargo movement. The resulting clearance stall has disrupted terminal operations and slowed the release of Container goods, cargos and vehicles, contributing to rising demurrage charges.
This is particularly frustrating for licensed Nigerian clearing agents, who rely heavily on seamless digital processing to manage time-sensitive shipments. Many importers, now dealing with higher costs due to the FOB charges, are also being hit with accumulating fees from terminal operators and shipping lines for delayed pickups.
Stakeholders Urge Swift Restoration
While the NCS has indicated that the system upgrade is a temporary situation and should be resolved soon, affected stakeholders are urging a swift restoration of services. The current downtime not only affects the efficiency of clearing goods and cargos but also undermines the confidence of international traders.
Stay ahead with Clearcargonigeria
Staying agile during this disruptions is vital. Clients continue to seek guidance on how to manage customs valuation hikes, and minimize storage fees. As a trusted and licensed partner in Nigerian imports and exports, Clearcargonigeria helps clients navigate shifting customs policies with ease. Whether you need assistance with clearing cars, clearing containers, or managing new FOB duty impacts, our experienced team is ready to assist.
👉 Visit our Import-Services page today or Contact-Us for expert advice and fast-track clearance support.
