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The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has called for the immediate suspension of the Federal Government’s Green Tax Policy, describing the Nigeria Customs Service’s planned implementation as hasty, procedurally flawed, and capable of inflicting severe financial losses on importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s international trade sector.
In a statement signed by its National President, Emenike K. Nwokeoji, ANLCA expressed shock that a fiscal policy with far-reaching implications for import duties, cargo valuation, shipping contracts, and business planning was communicated to only a section of stakeholders barely 72 hours before its proposed implementation.
While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government’s right to formulate fiscal policies that promote economic growth and environmental sustainability, the association condemned what it described as inadequate stakeholder consultation, poor communication, and the absence of a reasonable transition period before enforcement.
ANLCA said it was particularly disturbed that shipments already in transit to Nigeria would be subjected to the new Green Tax levy, arguing that the decision effectively imposes a retrospective financial burden on businesses that had entered into binding commercial agreements under the existing tariff regime.
According to the association, such a move would expose importers and licensed customs agents to avoidable financial losses, disrupt legitimate trade, trigger commercial disputes, and further undermine investor confidence in Nigeria’s business environment.
The association also criticised the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that critical implementation issues were left unresolved. It cited the absence of a clearly defined methodology for determining engine capacity for Green Tax assessment, warning that the ambiguity could lead to inconsistent assessments, disputes, and discretionary application by assessment officers.
ANLCA’s Demands
ANLCA called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service to:
– Immediately suspend or postpone the implementation of the Green Tax Policy pending comprehensive nationwide stakeholder consultations.
– Publish detailed implementation guidelines, including tax assessment methodology, valuation parameters, and operational procedures.
– Conduct extensive sensitisation programmes for importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, shipping companies, and other industry stakeholders.
– Provide a reasonable transition period to allow businesses to adjust existing contracts and shipping arrangements without incurring avoidable financial losses.
The association reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service, expressing its readiness to work with relevant authorities to develop a realistic implementation timetable and practical operational guidelines that will safeguard legitimate trade while advancing Nigeria’s environmental and economic objectives.
