Customs Consultative Committee Moves To Ease Tensions Over Licensing Fee Review

Customs Consultative Committee Moves To Ease Tensions Over Licensing Fee Review

Aare Fwdr,Hakeem Olarenwaju, Rff. Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee CCC

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) says it has reached mutual understanding with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and freight forwarding associations over the proposed review of licensing renewal fees for Licensed Customs Agents.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Fwdr Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, the CCC confirmed that recent tensions in the ports followed an NCS stakeholders’ meeting convened to discuss the fee review in line with Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023

Enforcement of 4% FOB The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, emphasized that the enforcement of the 4% FOB is not negotiable, as it’s an extant law provided in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Discontinuation of Certain Fees: The NCS has stopped the 7% backstage payment on total annual revenue collection approved by the government ( please note, this is not the same thing as the 7% port development levy, which the NCS has no jurisdiction over it) for obvious reasons. Then, the 1% Comprehensive Inspection and Supervision Scheme (CISS), and directed its removal from the portal for immediate implementation.

The CCC said migration hitches from the NICIS 2 to the B’Odogwu platform were also discussed, with directives for prompt resolution. Freight forwarding associations resisted the licensing fee proposal, describing it as “outrageous,” and have requested time to consult their members before reverting to the NCS management by December.

The committee urged practitioners to remain calm, obey existing laws, and continue business without disruption, pledging commitment to fairness, transparency, and a competitive trading environment.
“The CCC urges practitioners to go about their respective business without tension, emphasizing the importance of obedience to laws and regulations. We appreciate the NCS’s commitment to an inclusive process and look forward to continued collaboration and fair negotiations.

“The CCC reaffirms its dedication to promoting a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment in Nigeria. We encourage all stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal, ensuring that the interests of all parties are considered and respected”the statement concluded.