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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have pledged closer collaboration to tackle bottlenecks and friction points in the nation’s port clearing process, with the goal of ensuring smoother trade facilitation for the manufacturing sector.
This commitment was made during a high-level engagement on Friday, when MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, hosted the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team at MAN’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
Otunba Meshioye highlighted manufacturers’ concerns over the re-introduction of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports and challenges arising from the new B’Odogwu customs trade portal.
He stressed that addressing these issues was critical for creating a seamless operating environment for local manufacturers.
In his response, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed NCS’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, describing it as the “backbone of the nation’s industrial development.”
He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance directive suspending the 4% FOB charge provided an opportunity for deeper dialogue with industry stakeholders.
“Your voices matter. Consultations like these help us balance fiscal responsibilities with the imperatives of industrial growth,” the Customs boss said.
The CGC announced that NCS has developed a framework for one-stop shops to simplify manufacturers’ interactions with customs and other regulatory agencies, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance compliance standards.
He further highlighted NCS’ ongoing trade facilitation reforms, including the streamlining of checkpoints, deployment of the B’Odogwu digital platform for real-time clearance, and its integration into the National Single Window Project set to launch in Q1 2026.
“Our role is to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national revenue and security manufacturers drive industrial production and job creation, and together, we can achieve sustainable economic growth,” he said
Both parties agreed to continue their engagement to ensure that customs procedures empower rather than hinder Nigeria’s manufacturing excellence.
