Economy
President Tinubu Suspends 4% FOB Levy On Omports Over Economic Concerns
President Tinubu Suspends 4% FOB Levy On Omports Over Economic Concerns
President Tinubu suspends 4% FOB levy on imports over economic concerns. Stakeholders argued that the FOB levy is estimated to add N4 trillion annually to freight costs, a burden that would be transferred directly to consumers.
The federal government has suspended the implementation of the new four per cent Free On Board (FOB) levy on imported goods amid concern that it would add trillions of naira annually to importation costs.
In a statement released by the ministry of finance on Monday, the Nigerian government said it became necessary to pause the enforcement of the charge by the Nigerian Customs Service because it has become clear that the policy poses a significant threat to the country’s economy.
“Pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part III, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Customs Services, I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of four per cent Free on Board (FOB) recently levied by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods,” a part of the statement said.
The statement added, “Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant government officials, it has become clear that the implementation of the four per cent FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation, environment and economic stability. Many importers and businesses have raised concerns about the increased financial burden this levy imposes, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business climate in Nigeria.”
The decision came after several stakeholders, including the Importers Association of Nigeria, voiced against any attempt by the President Bola Tinubu administration to proceed with the plan, arguing that the FOB levy is estimated to add N4 trillion annually to freight costs, a burden that would be transferred directly to consumers.
President Tinubu
“This is what IMAN in the South-West zone is fighting to ensure that the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, do not implement such dangerous economic policy.
The IMAN estimates that the levy could add 3-4 trillion annually to freight costs-burden that will be transferred directly to consumers,” the national president/Board of Trustees chairman, Gilbert Obi, told Vanguard at the union’s executive meeting.
Amid ongoing intensive revenue overhaul by Mr Tinubu to boost transparency, the four per cent FOB levy was set to replace the existing per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the seven per cent cost of collection levied on importers.
Meanwhile, the ministry said the suspension will enable the government to engage with relevant stakeholders and chance for a thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications.
Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 100 Cars To Directors In Lagos Civil Service
Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu. Mr Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance.
He presented the cars at a brief ceremony at the Pavilion, Lagos House, Ikeja, where the beneficiaries, all directors on grade level 17, received the vehicles.
“This presentation of 100 brand new cars to our substantive directors is a deliberate investment in the machinery of governance.
“It is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve governance, and ensure that those saddled with critical responsibilities are well supported to deliver effectively,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to see the gesture as a call to greater responsibility, accountability, and dedication to public service.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said the state government remained committed to the welfare of its workforce and would continue to create an enabling environment for officers to perform optimally.
The governor urged that the gesture should inspire other public servants to be diligent and loyal.
The state’s head of service, Olabode Agoro, commended the governor for the gesture, describing it as morale-boosting and a demonstration that hard work and excellence were appreciated in the Lagos State civil service.
Sanwo-Olu
Mr Agoro said the presentation would further inspire directors and other officers to remain steadfast in their duties.
Thanking the governor on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the directors, Shakirat Adeosun, said the gesture would enhance their efficiency and enable them to discharge their duties with greater ease.
She promised that the directors would continue to support government policies and deliver quality service.
Rising Oil Price Has Forced Some Countries To Ask Citizens To Work From Home: Dangote
Rising oil price. Dangote spoke to journalists after a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu on Monday after the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The businessman said if the Middle East conflict does not ease, energy prices will continue to rise, adding that governments are currently unable to increase salaries.
“So people will really feel the heat. People like barbers, people who are making bread, people who have industries, who have to fire their own generators,” he said.
“I mean, you can see, in some countries today what they’ve done is ask everybody to work from home because they cannot…
“I think in Indonesia or so, they said only go to work four days a week and they will look at the situation, if it doesn’t improve, they will ask everybody not to go to work anymore. We did that in the time of COVID-19, where people worked from home.”
Speaking further on the impact of the conflict, Dangote said it carries significant implications for Nigeria.
He noted that although the country is not directly involved, the interconnected nature of the global economy means it will inevitably feel the effects.
“But we pray this situation will be sorted out, it’s not going to escalate. If it doesn’t de-escalate, we’ll end up paying big prices,” Dangote said.
Furthermore, he said Africa is already heavily burdened by debt, and adding the effects of the conflict would worsen the strain on governments and citizens alike, despite having no direct involvement in the crisis.
“If you look at it now, when you talk about energy, energy affects almost everything and it’s not only energy, some people will try and take a chance and say this an opportunity so let me make money,” Dangote said.
“So I pray, and we all need to pray that this thing de-escalates. If it doesn’t escalate, normally we in Africa, we don’t have any reserves in terms of savings or in terms of…
“People normally go out and look for money for the next day or even for the same day. If they don’t work that day, they won’t eat. So I think really, we just need all hands on deck to pray that this thing comes to an end.”
Dangote
On March 20, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said minimising road and air transport, working from home where possible, driving slower, and switching to electric cooking could significantly help cushion the shock of the Middle East conflict for consumers.
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.
PenCom
The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.
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