Non-implementation of the approved tariff for imported items recently removed from the banned list is due to on-going negotiations among stakeholders. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Abdullahi Dikko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the negotiation was between domestic manufacturers and the Federal Government.

Textile fabrics, furniture, certain categories of vehicles, tooth picks and cassava are among items removed from the list of items banned from being imported into the country.  Dikko said that the delay in the implementation of approved tariff was caused by the negotiation on incentives between domestic manufacturers and the government.

“The matter is currently undergoing some discussions among stakeholders. The manufacturers are saying that if the bans are implemented, its effect on domestic manufacturers” products will be devastating. They are, therefore, asking that there is the need for some backings from the government.

“We should not forget that there are textile industries in Nigeria and they need a certain level of incentive from government,” he said. Dikko said that the Customs as a body had, however, seen the need for such incentives and government had agreed to it.

“We are operating a democratic system and we believe in fair hearing. So, we must ensure that everybody gets to be heard and assisted,” he said. The comptroller-general said that the negotiation process was however on-going, and that implementation would commence as soon as some agreement was reached.

He said that government was negotiating on the type of incentives that would be adopted before rolling out the structure of duties.
“I believe no government will implement a policy that will affect the well-being of its citizens negatively. This is beyond my level, and the Ministry of Finance has the final say on this issue. So, I am only waiting for instructions and, after the negotiation, I will implement the policy. After all, it is all going to boost our duty collection. So, why should I delay the implementation,” Dikko said.