By Abdullahi Jalaludddeen
The Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command held a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday to discuss the collection of the 4% Free On Board (FOB) levy.
The meeting aimed to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of the levy, which has been temporarily suspended due to the termination of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) contract with service providers.
According to Area Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, the NCS will resume direct collection of the 4% FOB once the suspension is lifted.
Abubakar emphasized that the levy is vital for facilitating NCS operations and easing interactions with stakeholders.
He also noted that the levy is legally mandated and crucial for the smooth operation of customs activities, as stated in Section 18 (1) of the NCS Act (2023).
The stakeholders’ meeting is part of the NCS’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition to direct collection of the levy.
The command plans to continue engaging stakeholders in the coming weeks to explain the reason behind the levy and its importance.
Some stakeholders expressed concerns about the additional financial burden, but the command assured them that the levy is necessary for the effective operation of customs activities.
The command also emphasized that the levy is aimed at enhancing revenue generation and ensuring compliance with the NCS Act 2023.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been working to implement the 4% FOB levy, which is backed by the Customs Management Act 2023.
However, the introduction of the levy has generated tension among licensed customs agents, who claim that the service did not consult with stakeholders before introducing the levy.
Despite the concerns, the Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition to direct collection of the levy.
The command’s efforts to engage stakeholders and provide clarity on the purpose and process of the levy are seen as a positive step towards addressing concerns and promoting compliance.
Leave a Reply