The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) enters alliance with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) with the aim of engendering efficiency in the local manufacturing in order to reduce prices of locally made goods for the citizens
By Innocent Chukwu,
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
It can be expressed as a day of relief for the common man on the street. The current singsong has remained that the economic policies of the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring about a drastic reduction in the prices of goods, as well as their success statistics, have remained a paper affair which positive effects are not felt by the common citizens on the streets.
However, the expected gains of a crucial synergy entered into by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and that of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Friday, September 26, 2025, may have become a game changer in the government’s quest to bring down the prices of goods, especially locally manufactured items. On the said day and occasion, the umbrella body of manufacturers in the country engaged the NCS in a crucial meeting where both bodies arrived at a decision to work harmoniously in the interest of the economic advancement of the country.
At the landmark synergy to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and ease the cost of doing business, both parties – the NCS and MAN – reached a strategic agreement to exempt manufacturers from the controversial four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge and deepen trade facilitation efforts.
The agreement was announced following a high-level consultation between the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, held in Abuja. The meeting was convened in response to the Ministry of Finance’s directive suspending the four per cent FOB charge and calling for stakeholder engagement under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The dialogue addressed key concerns raised by manufacturers, including multiple checkpoints, system alerts, and technical glitches on the B’Odogwu platform. MAN also provided insights into operational challenges affecting competitiveness in the sector.
The key outcomes of the agreement included the exemption from the four per cent FOB charges for manufacturers importing raw materials, machinery, and spare parts under Chapters 98 and 99 of the Customs Tariff. Onboarding of additional manufacturers not currently listed under those chapters to benefit from the exemption. Tripartite consultations between NCS, MAN, and the Ministry of Finance to expedite onboarding and streamline processes. Credit system for manufacturers who have already paid the four per cent FOB charge, allowing future use after onboarding. Additional exemptions for humanitarian goods, healthcare-related imports, government projects, and commercial airline spare parts.
The NCS also briefed MAN on the ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Advance Ruling, and Time Release Studies. MAN commended the AEO scheme and called for clear admission guidelines to encourage broader participation. Both organizations agreed to establish formal consultation mechanisms for regular dialogue on customs policy, proactive feedback systems, and periodic reviews to assess progress and identify new collaboration opportunities.
At the event of the collaboration, the Customs boss said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation through industrial growth, job creation, and export promotion.”
On his part, the MAN President, Meshioye also said, “Constructive dialogue like this is essential to building a predictable customs environment that supports manufacturing excellence”.
The engagement marks a significant step toward aligning customs operations with industrial development goals, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support national revenue targets while enabling sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector. In a separate development aimed at strengthening collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders, the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command of the NCS paid a working visit to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Rivers State.
The newly deployed Customs Area Controller (CAC) at the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command in Rivers State, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku has hit the ground running with a resolve to strengthen collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders in the area of operation.
Speaking during a working visit to the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Deputy Comptroller (DC) SE Ntun, who will soon proceed on terminal leave, welcome the Controller, saying, “We feel honored and delighted to have you with us due to your record of excellent service and we are excited to work with you.
“You have come with a wealth of experience as a team player and there is no doubt that your stay will be your starting point in this new chapter of your career to move this Command to the next level.”
Speaking, Atuluku, who is the 36th Area Controller of the Command, commended the men and officers, sister agencies and stakeholders present in an occasion that has provided a valuable platform to help share perspectives and revenue collection commitment to ensure smooth operations in the airport which serves as a vital entrance and exit point to our nation.
Her words, “I express my deepest appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and members of his management team for the outstanding leadership and unwavering support, their vision continues to reposition the service for a greater efficiency, transparency and effectiveness. It is the vision that guides our actions at the area Commands and it is the driving force behind our being here today.
“To the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) today working at this airport I commend your hard work day after day to discharge your duties and other challenges that constantly and continue to uphold the value of service, discipline and integrity and I encourage you to remain steadfast for the nation.”
Atuluku commended the stakeholders and partners, airlines, grand handling and agents operating in the airport for their cooperation and partnership, adding, “Equally, I thank our sister government agencies as the Service places a high value on the inter-agency cooperation because no single agency can achieve success in isolation. Our shared mandate in safeguarding the nation, promoting change and ensuring safety at the airport requires synergy and mutual respect.”
Responding to questions on how to revive the activities at the airport that once boosted the revenue of the Area 1 Customs Command, she expressed confidence and the hope that since she had done it before in her previous places of assignment, God will help her to meet and even exceed the Command’s target.
“They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better and sometimes with more style,” she said Comptroller Atuluku is a living proof of this truth in the Nigeria Customs Service. Born on October 22, 1970, she has risen through the ranks with a remarkable blend of discipline, brilliance and graceful leadership that sets her apart.
An indigene of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, she enlisted in the NCS on January 1, 1992 as a Cadet Officer and rose to the rank of a Comptroller.
She holds a National Diploma (ND) from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, B.Sc in History and International Studies and M.Sc in International Relations and Strategic Studies and she is currently pursuing her Ph.D programme in Peace and Security.
An Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and a Member of the Institute of Strategic Management (Chartered), Atuluku comes across as an officer with a lot of experience having worked in so many Commands, Units and formations of the NCS.
She had worked at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command from 1993 to 1996, Kaduna Command (1996-1998), Lagos Industrial Terminal (KLT) from 1998 to 2000, Cross River/Akwa Ibom Free Trade Zone (CRS/AKFTZ) 2000 to 2004, Enugu Command (2004-2008) as well as the Tariff & Trade (T&T) Department between 2008 and 2010.
Atuluku was redeployed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (2010-2012), Tin Can Island Port (TCIP, Scanner Manager) from 2012 to 2016, ICT (NIIU, Ashaye Scanning Site) between 2016 and 2023, ICT (NIIU, Apapa Scanning Site) from 2023 to 2025, Strategic Research & Policies, Customs Headquarters Abuja (Comptroller, Project Nurturing Unit) between April and August 2025 and as Customs Area I Command, Port Harcourt (Area Controller) from August 2025 to date.
