Customs brokers, represented by the Association Concerned Freight Forwarders (ACFF), have commenced actions against the recent surge in import duty payments, which they believe will exacerbate inflation in the economy.
Following a meeting at the RockView Hotel in Lagos, Mr. Ndubisi Uzoegbo, the convener of the gathering, spoke to reporters, expressing concerns about the 200 percent increase in import duties by the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). He noted that trading in Nigeria has become increasingly risky.
Uzoegbo also highlighted the fact that shipping companies and terminal operators have raised their charges by over 70 percent without considering the adverse impact on the people.
He stated, “The current system is no longer favorable for us, and the increase in payable duties is adversely affecting us. At present, we are unable to pay our workers. The significant increases imposed by shipping companies and terminal operators are unacceptable.”
Uzoegbo emphasized the need for a protest against these arbitrary charges, involving all freight forwarding practitioners and transporters, in order to address the situation and set things right.
Jonny Ubaka, the group’s coordinator, echoed similar concerns, warning that if immediate measures are not taken, it could lead to chaos and worsen the predicament of traders.
Ubaka emphasized that there are established procedures for duty increases, which are outlined in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).
Additionally, Mr. Yusuf Danladi, a concerned freight forwarder, pointed out that the current situation affects all Nigerians, as every rise in duty payments ultimately impacts the final consumer.