News
Nigeria Customs Service, Manufacturers Association Hold Meeting on High-level Strategic Consultation
In a significant move to strengthen industrial growth and economic development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) held a high-level strategic consultation today in Abuja.
The meeting followed a directive from the Federal Ministry of Finance regarding the temporary suspension of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) surcharge, creating a platform for broad stakeholder engagement as mandated by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The session featured frank and constructive dialogue on critical issues affecting Nigeria’s manufacturing environment. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation through improved manufacturing performance and enhanced trade facilitation.
Key Outcomes from the Consultation
One of the major announcements from the meeting was the approval of strategic exemptions from the 4% FOB surcharge for several categories of manufacturers. This followed consultations between the NCS and the Honourable Minister of Finance.
The exemptions cover:
- Manufacturers importing raw materials, spares, and machinery under Chapters 98 and 99 of the Customs Tariff.
- MAN members not currently under these chapters will be onboarded to enable access to the exemption.
- The tripartite collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Finance, NCS, and MAN will expedite this onboarding process.
- Any 4% FOB charges already paid by manufacturers awaiting onboarding will be credited for future transactions.
- Exemptions also extend to:
- Government projects with Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDEC)
- Goods imported for humanitarian and life-saving purposes
- Beneficiaries of the Presidential Initiative on unlocking the healthcare value chain
- Spare parts for commercial airlines
Issues Raised by MAN
The Manufacturers Association identified several pressing challenges impacting industrial operations, including:
- Implementation concerns around the 4% FOB funding model
- Multiple checkpoints hampering trade facilitation
- Redundant alerts within the customs clearance system
- Glitches on the B’Odogwu platform
In response, the NCS detailed its ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, which include:
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme
- Advance Ruling system
- Time Release Studies aimed at improving cargo clearance efficiency
The AEO programme, in particular, was lauded by MAN, with a mutual agreement that NCS would issue a clear guideline for participation.
A Shift Towards Modern Trade Infrastructure
Further discussions centered on future-focused initiatives such as:
- Development of a one-stop shop framework to streamline regulatory processes
- Reduction of excessive checkpoints and elimination of unnecessary bottlenecks
- Deployment of digital solutions for real-time clearance and risk assessment
- Strengthened technology partnerships to support seamless trade operations
Institutionalizing Regular Dialogue
To sustain momentum, both organizations agreed to institutionalize regular consultations through:
- Pre-implementation engagement on policy changes
- Real-time feedback mechanisms to assess impact
- Scheduled review meetings to evaluate progress and identify new collaboration areas
A Unified Vision for Economic Transformation
The engagement concluded with a unified commitment from NCS and MAN to support:
- Job creation
- Export promotion
- Import substitution
- Foreign exchange conservation
- Development of industrial clusters
Both institutions emphasized that predictable regulatory environments, underpinned by robust dialogue and innovation, are crucial to sustaining growth.
The Nigeria Customs Service pledged to maintain ongoing consultations with manufacturers, implement technology-driven reforms, and provide regular policy updates. MAN, in turn, committed to supporting regulatory compliance among its members and contributing industry insights to shape effective customs policies.
This engagement marks a renewed partnership between two key institutions, demonstrating that structured collaboration can deliver measurable outcomes for national economic advancement.
News
Uzodimma to Editors: You should be held accountable for what happens to Nigeria
“The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”
Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, says the Nigerian media industry should be held accountable for what’s happening in the country and to its citizens, both positively and negatively.
“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect,” said Uzodimma.
In a keynote address , he delivered today during the 21st edition of the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja.
Uzodimma, critique the theme, ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,’ and a sub-theme: ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,’ said : I will not let you escape accountability for electoral integrity, trust deficit, and what Nigerians expect in 2027.
Here is why. If you have a role to play in “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion,’ then you also have a role to play in ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit.’
Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy. Electoral integrity begets democracy, and democracy begets good governance, and good governance fast-tracks the exorcism of trust deficit.
In all of these, your role as facilitator, amplifier, or catalyst is key.
“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect.”
He emphasised that what editors actually do is akin to a pastoral duty.
“You decide what becomes urgent and what disappears.
You choose the lens through which millions of Nigerians see their country, their leaders, and each other.
“That is how the media is structured. A policy shift is either “Government U-Turn” or “Strategic Adaptation.”
A land border closure is either “Economic Protectionism Impoverishing the People” or “National Security Imperative.” Same facts, different frames. Entirely different public perception.,” he said.
He added: ” You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. You are catalysts and facilitators, whether r you acknowledge it or not.
The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”
News
Editors demand 10-year corporate tax relief for the media industry
The President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, who made the call on behalf of the media organisations, lamented that the present economic realities in the country have put the media in distress.
•President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba
The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) is requesting for 10-year corporate tax relief from the federal government.
The guild presented their demand on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) with the theme “Democracy, Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
The President of the NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, who made the call on behalf of the media organisations, lamented that the present economic realities in the country have put the media in distress.
He emphasized that the economic situation in the country has forced some media houses to shut down, while some that struggle to operate cannot pay workers’ salaries.
The NGE boss also called for tax exemption, the establishment of low-interest loans for the media, and a digital transformation and innovation fund.
Anaba further proposed a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to protect journalists from a hostile environment.
•Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027.
Richard Muyingi, chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), disclosed that Ethiopia’s bid was endorsed last week after the country resubmitted its expression of interest , beating Nigeria in a closely contested bid.
“The matter was discussed by the African group in a meeting last week, and Ethiopia was confirmed as the host of COP32,” Muyingi said.
The hosting of COPs rotates among global regions, with Africa due to host the summit in 2027.
The host country for COP31 is yet to be decided between Turkey and Australia.
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