The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to suspend the newly introduced four per cent Customs processing charge, citing inadequate consultation and increased financial strain on businesses.
LCCI Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, in a statement on Wednesday, criticised the sudden implementation of the charge—also known as the Free On-Board valuation on imports—which took effect on Tuesday.
While acknowledging that the charge is backed by Section 18 of the NCS Act 2023, Almona stressed that Section 23 of the same Act mandates stakeholder engagement, which was overlooked.
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She noted that importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and clearing agents were not given prior notice.
With businesses already grappling with multiple taxes, forex scarcity, high interest rates, and inflation, LCCI warned that the additional levy, alongside the planned telecom tariff hike and rising logistics costs, could worsen economic conditions.
The chamber urged the Nigeria Customs Service to suspend enforcement and initiate proper sensitisation before implementation.
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