Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has engaged stakeholders in an extensive sensitization drive on the implementation of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy and the new Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu.
The interactive sessions, held on February 6 and 7, 2025, brought together key industry players, including importers, Customs brokers, and shipping agents, to discuss the operational impact of these new policies. Onyeka emphasized that the reforms aim to modernize Nigeria’s Customs processes, enhance efficiency, and promote transparency in trade and importation.
Comptroller Onyeka highlighted that the 4% FOB levy, as stipulated in Section 18 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, applies to the value of imported goods at the point of entry. The levy, he explained, aligns with international best practices and is expected to strengthen Customs operations and revenue collection.
The B’Odogwu Clearance System, another key reform, is designed to modernize Customs clearance, minimize delays, and improve compliance. Onyeka assured stakeholders that its implementation at the Command is imminent and will further simplify trade processes.
Providing an update on revenue collection, the Comptroller announced that the Tincan Island Port Command generated N116,412,735,766.23 in January 2025. This marks a 24.06% increase from the N88.4 billion collected in January 2024, reflecting a growth of nearly N28 billion.
With this momentum, Onyeka expressed confidence that the Command is on track to exceed its 2025 annual revenue target of N1.52 trillion.
In his ongoing efforts to enhance port efficiency, Onyeka reassured stakeholders that the era of multiple alerts is over. He stressed the importance of honest declarations and thorough cargo examinations to ensure a smoother, more trade-friendly environment.
“We will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure these policies are well understood and effectively implemented.”
“Through collaboration and constant feedback, we aim to address concerns and create a seamless trade experience,” Onyeka stated.