*Says its insensitive, ‘ll further impoverish Nigerians

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, has rejected the recent introduction of the 4 percent Customs Administration Charge on Free on Board (FOB) value by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as contained in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

According to NECA, the timing is not only insensitive, but will further worsem the economic situation of Nigerians, lamenting that “the Nigerian business environment is already burdened with multiple taxes, unpredictable policies, and economic challenges.”

The umbrella body for employers and Voce of businesses in Nigeria, contended that “while revenue generation remains a priority for the Government, imposing this levy amid prevailing economic hardships is ill-timed and detrimental to businesses and Nigerians.”

Speaking through its Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA said: “The Nigerian business environment is already burdened with multiple taxes, unpredictable policies, and economic challenges. With rising unsold inventories and growing unemployment, policies should support businesses and not further strangulate them. This additional financial import-dependent business will escalate production costs, fuel inflation, and threaten jobs. Ultimately, consumers will suffer from higher prices, worsening an already challenging economic climate.”

The body criticized NCS for prioritizing revenue generation over its core mandate of trade facilitation and economic development, noting that “This approach is counterproductive and directly contradicts the Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. With revenue target of N10 trillion set for the Nigeria Customs Service in the 2025 Budget by the National Assembly, this levy appears to be a desperate attempt to meet revenue projections at the expense of businesses and ordinary Nigerians. While the Government may achieve its revenue goals, the unintended consequences will be severe—higher costs of goods, business closures, rising unemployment, and worsening economic hardship for millions of citizens.
“The new charge contradicts ongoing tax reform efforts led by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, which aims to harmonize taxes and support business sustainability. At a time when businesses are calling for a streamlined tax system, this levy undermines reform efforts and sends a negative signal to investors.

With Nigeria’s annual imports estimated at N71 trillion, the newly introduced levy will impose an additional N2.84 trillion in costs. For industries that rely on imported raw materials, this charge will drive duty payments up by 80 percent, significantly inflating production cost and eroding competitiveness. The ripple effects will be severe—higher inflation, deeper poverty, and a weakened investment climate.

“NECA, therefore, calls for an immediate reversal of this levy and urges the government to engage with stakeholders to develop a more sustainable and business-friendly approach to revenue generation. Government must take urgent steps to ease the financial burden on businesses and citizens, rather than implementing policies that will worsen economic hardship and stifle business growth.”