Nigeria Content Online

Non-implementation of the approved
tariff for imported items recently removed from the banned list is due
to ongoing negotiations among stakeholders.

The Comptroller-General of Customs,
Abdullahi Dikko, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on
Monday, stating that the negotiation was between domestic manufacturers
and the federal government. Textile fabrics, furniture, certain
categories of vehicles, tooth picks and cassava were among items
removed from the list of items banned from being imported into the
country.

Mr. Dikko said that the delay in the
implementation of approved tariff was caused by the negotiation on
incentives between domestic manufacturers and the government.

“The matter is currently undergoing
some discussions among stakeholders. The manufacturers are saying that
if the bans are implemented, its effect on domestic manufacturers’
products will be devastating. They are, therefore, asking that there is
the need for some backings from the government,” he said.

He also noted that the Customs as a
body has, however, seen the need for such incentives and government has
agreed to it. He said that government is negotiating on the type of
incentives that will be adopted before rolling out the structure of
duties.

“I believe no government will implement a policy that will affect the wellbeing of its citizens negatively.