Manufacturers fume as Nigerian govt reintroduces 4% FOB fee on imports
Nigeria’s manufacturers have kicked against the reintroduction of the 4 percent Free on Board fee by the Nigeria Customs Service.
It was reported NCS had reintroduced the FOB on August 4, 2025, after its suspension in February.
Reacting to the move, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Monday faulted the fee reintroduction despite hardship faced by manufacturers.
Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadri, in a statement, noted that the decision contradicts the government’s widely publicised suspension of the charge.
He noted that manufacturers were concerned it would significantly increase the cost of importing raw materials, machinery, and spare parts that are not available locally.
According to him, the fee would further worsen the cost of goods and services in the country.
”The idea that the charge streamlines previous multiple charges and reduces cargo clearance costs does not reflect reality.
“The fact is that the cost of the four percent charge on a manufacturing company is enormously higher than the combined effect of the seven percent surcharge and one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy,” he said.
He added that in other West African countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, targeted inspection or collection fees are kept within a 0.5 percent to one percent FOB range, with higher levies only on luxury or nonessential imports.
”The Nigeria Customs Service’s unilateral imposition of a uniform four percent FOB levy would raise the cost of doing business, encourage informal cross-border sourcing, lead to cargo diversion, and promote under-declaration,” the DG noted.
He urged that the FOB be further suspended until December 31, 2025, to allow for an impact assessment and consultation with stakeholders.
following outrage, NCS announced the suspension of FOB in February 2025.
