By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to stop collecting the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy by June 30, 2025, declaring the charge illegal and unsupported by any existing law.
The directive was issued by Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, during the NCS’s 2024 budget performance review and 2025 budget defense session in Abuja. He insisted that the only lawful revenue collection for the Service is the 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) charge, as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“The CISS levy is not backed by any Act of the National Assembly. Come July 1, any attempt to collect it will be met with legal action,” Abejide warned.
Lawmakers expressed concern that, despite generating ₦6.11 trillion in 2024 surpassing the target of ₦5.08 trillion, the NCS was unable to fully fund personnel, overheads, and capital projects, raising questions about the agency’s financial structure.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi acknowledged the concerns and said efforts were underway to sensitise stakeholders on the issue. However, he confirmed that no revenue had been received under the 1% CISS levy in 2024.
The Committee also announced plans for a joint session with the Senate and Minister of Finance Wale Edun to further examine the matter.
In a bid to curb revenue leakages, Adeniyi outlined new measures, including intensified anti-smuggling operations, policy reforms on excise duties, and enhanced capacity-building for customs officers.
