Clearing Agents Demand Percentages from Customs 4% FOB Levy

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Reactions have continued to trail the recent proposal of increment in the Nigeria Customs Service licensing fees, as clearing agents have stressed the need for rewards and compensations from the newly introduced 4% FOB Levy which is being collected by Customs on all imported consignments.

This is coming on the heels of the recent proposal by the Service to carryout an upward review in prices of issuance of clearing licenses from N515,000 to a whooping N10million.

Frontline clearing agent, Alhaji Ayo Sulaiman, Special Adviser to the National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) who spoke in his personal capacity, condemned the outrageous increment, even as he observed that there was no mechanism to cushion the effects of this policy on the practitioners.

“This notice by NCS is heavier than what we can take with gloved hands, there are deliberate efforts to delist many licenses, and this is one of the approaches, others are coming”

“The NCS ACT 25 of 2023 coerced us as customs representative without any provision for any reward or compensation plan while customs will pocket 4% of FOB values, the NCS ACT imposes OBLIGATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES and CONTRIBUTIONS to National development without single provision for reward and compensation for our efforts” he lamented

Sulaiman also raised concerns on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) which came into force recently, saying that the customs has slammed clearing agents with loads of requirements and conditions before they can be granted the status to carry out their professional responsibilities as customs broker to AEO status consignees.

He suggested that a high-powered delegation from the practitioners be sent to National Assembly to discuss the overdue rewards and compensations for clearing agents as revenue drivers of the economy.

“The association, in collaboration with others ( Customs Brokers only), should call for a televised public hearing in the industry to submit Customs brokers needs and wants to FGN through HOR as stated above including an overdue compensation plan on revenue paid to the government” he said

According to him, the Customs must first dangle a carrot before the clearing agents, even as he argued that agents are victims of the current economic realities.

In a chat with DAILY TREND on the proposed increment, President of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON) expressed pessimistic about clearing agents getting the best out of the negotiation because they are not united currently.

“I doubt if we can get the best negotiation with the Customs on this proposed rates. This is because the freight forwarding associations are not united and not speaking in one voice. At this rate, everyone would go back to that meeting in two weeks time with different positions and the customs would win because the federal government seriously needs money.

“This is where i am expecting the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Emenike Nwokeoji to show leadership by convening a meeting of all associations, let us come together to discuss, analyse and put forward a united position on this matter. But as it is, they are not even ready to associate with us. So, at the end of the day, some associations would end up supporting the customs on the proposals” he said