Nigeria’s import sector is seeing several important developments this week, particularly around customs charges, cargo clearance, digital processing and trade cooperation. For importers, clearing agents and businesses that depend on overseas suppliers, these changes can affect shipment costs, documentation and delivery timelines.
Customs Introduces 30-Day Cargo Clearance Window
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced new guidelines on how long import and export consignments can remain at port terminals.
Under the new arrangement, consignments have a 30-day period from arrival at the port before being classified as overtime cargo. An additional 30 days may be available following an application and approval. Consignments that remain undeclared for longer periods face additional approval requirements and, eventually, disposal procedures. (Maritime Today Online)
Importers should therefore pay close attention to documentation, customs processing and communication with their clearing agents once cargo arrives.
Customs Addresses B’Odogwu Processing Problems
The Nigeria Customs Service has also announced that it resolved a technical problem affecting the transmission of Product Certificates and SONCAP information required for PAAR processing on the B’Odogwu platform.
The disruption had affected the processing of documents including Form M, PAAR and Single Goods Declaration for some traders. (Maritime Today Online)
For importers, the development highlights the growing importance of digital customs systems and accurate electronic documentation.
Debate Continues Over 4% FOB Import Levy
The recently introduced 4% levy on the Free-on-Board value of imports remains a major issue for stakeholders in Nigeria’s import industry.
The Nigeria Customs Service says it is discussing concerns raised by stakeholders with the Federal Ministry of Finance. Freight forwarders have raised objections, particularly over the relationship between the new 4% FOB charge and the existing 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme fee. (Maritime Today Online)
Importers should confirm the charges applicable to their particular shipments rather than relying on older cost estimates.
Nigeria and UK Advance Customs Cooperation
Nigeria and the United Kingdom are progressing negotiations toward a Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement.
The proposed agreement is intended to strengthen information sharing, customs compliance and trade facilitation between the two countries. Negotiations are reportedly being finalised ahead of a proposed signing in December 2026. (Times NG)
For Nigerian businesses importing from or exporting to the UK, stronger customs cooperation could make accurate declarations and compliance increasingly important.
Nigeria’s Import Trade Remains Concentrated Around Lagos
Lagos continues to dominate Nigeria’s international merchandise trade. Recent Q2 2026 data reported by the National Bureau of Statistics showed Lagos ports handling about 84.6% of Nigeria’s total merchandise trade during the quarter.
Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea Port and Tin Can Island accounted for most of the activity, with Apapa remaining the largest individual gateway. (AM Business )
For importers, this concentration means transportation planning after cargo clearance remains an important part of the overall supply chain.
Importers Face Continued Enforcement Against Contraband
Customs enforcement also remains active at Nigeria’s borders. The Ogun 1 Area Command recently reported seizures worth about ₦2.47 billion, including foreign parboiled rice, tyres, petroleum products and other restricted or undeclared goods. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Businesses should verify whether their products require specific licences, certificates or approvals before shipping them into Nigeria.
What Importers Should Check Before Shipping
With customs procedures and charges changing, Nigerian importers should review their shipment plans carefully.
Important areas to check include:
- Current import duties and applicable levies
- Product classification
- Form M and other required documentation
- SONCAP and product certification requirements
- Customs valuation
- Port and terminal charges
- Clearing arrangements
- Inland transportation costs
- Expected cargo clearance timeline
- Restrictions or permits affecting specific products
Calculating the full landed cost before placing an order can help prevent unexpected expenses after the cargo arrives.
How Travo.ng Can Help With Import Logistics
Travo.ng can support businesses with practical logistics coordination connected to importing and cargo movement.
Depending on the shipment, businesses can arrange relevant cargo logistics, transportation, delivery and other movement requirements after goods enter Nigeria.
For an importer bringing goods through Lagos and distributing them to customers or warehouses in other states, coordinating port-to-destination transportation early can make the overall delivery process easier to manage.
What Nigerian Importers Should Watch Next
Importers should continue monitoring customs announcements, new charges, digital processing changes, port operations and international trade developments.
The most important lesson from the latest import news is that the cost of bringing goods into Nigeria is not determined by the supplier’s price alone. Customs charges, documentation, freight, port costs and inland transportation can all affect the final cost of imported goods.
