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The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has rejected the Nigeria Customs Service’s newly introduced 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy, warning it will cripple industries, worsen inflation, and drive many players out of business.
Speaking at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Apapa, Lagos, Acting National President and BOT Chairman, High Chief Gilbert E. Obi, said the levy replacing the former 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) would “instantly hike import costs, disrupt supply chains, and destabilize the naira.”
Obi dismissed Customs’ modernization programme anchored on the B’Odogwu platform as epileptic and warned it may become obsolete by January 2026 when the Nigerian Revenue Service takes over revenue collection.
Southwest Zonal Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Austin Kelly, lamented mounting demurrage from delays linked to the B’Odogwu test-run, warning that frustrated importers are considering moving operations to neighboring countries.
Director General of the IMAN Taskforce, Amb. Chijioke Okoro, faulted the government for failing to consult importers before policy rollouts.
Beyond the levy, the meeting also focused on healing factional rifts, with Obi urging a “peace mission” to reunite members and reposition IMAN as a stronger voice for Nigeria’s trade sector.
Mrs. Bernadine Eloka of Clarion Shipping West Africa urged members to patronize indigenous shipping lines to cut costs and curb capital flight.
The NEC meeting drew delegates from all six geopolitical zones, with resolutions on leadership, funding, and strategy aimed at restoring IMAN’s influence in shaping trade policy.
