In a landmark move poised to reshape Nigeria’s industrial landscape, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have charted a new course for cooperation following a high-level strategic consultation in Lagos on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The over six-hour engagement signaled a turning point in the relationship between the two institutions, as both sides committed to strengthening collaboration to drive industrial growth, enhance trade facilitation, and boost the country’s economic competitiveness.
The meeting culminated in a joint communiqué signed by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and MAN President, Francis Meshioye.
A major highlight was the announcement of strategic exemptions from the 4% FOB levy, approved by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The exemptions cover raw materials, machinery, and spare parts imported by manufacturers under Chapters 98 and 99 of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), alongside other critical imports such as healthcare-related goods, humanitarian supplies, government projects with Import Duty Exemption Certificates, and airline spare parts.
CGC Adeniyi described the initiative as a balancing act between Customs’ revenue mandate and business-friendly reforms, stressing that the manufacturing sector remains central to Nigeria’s industrialisation and job creation.
He also assured manufacturers of expedited inclusion under the CET chapters, with any levy payments already made to be held as credits for future transactions.
Beyond levies, the Customs Service unveiled broader reforms to ease trade bottlenecks, including the rollout of a “One-Stop-Shop” trade platform to simplify regulatory processes, reduce bureaucracy, and shorten clearance times.
Plans are also underway to streamline highway checkpoints and address technical glitches in digital trade systems.
Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan highlighted additional measures such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, Advance Ruling system, Time Release Study, and other tech-driven initiatives aimed at cutting clearance costs and supporting legitimate businesses.
On his part, MAN President Francis Meshioye hailed the new spirit of openness and collaboration under the current Customs leadership, noting that the reforms will ease operations, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to economic growth.
He pledged MAN’s support through constructive policy engagement and compliance advocacy among members.
To ensure sustained progress, both parties agreed to establish a formal tripartite consultation mechanism involving Customs, MAN, and the Ministry of Finance for continuous policy dialogue, monitoring, and evaluation. Customs also committed to issuing clear guidelines for MAN members’ admission into the AEO scheme.