Cargo owners at Nigerian ports are groaning over mounting losses following a prolonged system downtime at designated duty collection banks.
Freight forwarders say the disruption, which began on September 1, 2025, has crippled duty payments, stalled cargo clearance, and triggered billions of naira in demurrage and storage charges.
In a petition to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), led by its President, Frank Ogunojemite, decried the failure of First Bank’s platform, which has left importers stranded with missed shipment deadlines and supply chain breakdowns.
The group demanded an urgent probe, sanctions on erring banks, and temporary waivers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ease the burden on traders.
They also warned that the lapses undermine the government’s ease of doing business agenda.
Meanwhile, the NCS has introduced a new policy exempting goods and passenger baggage valued at $300 or less from import duty and taxes.
Effective September 8, 2025, the exemption aligns with global best practices to simplify clearance for low-value consignments, boost e-commerce trade, and provide relief for travellers.
NCS spokesperson, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed that the approval was granted at the 63rd meeting of the Customs Board chaired by the Finance Minister.