The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for suspending the reintroduced 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, describing the move as a relief to manufacturers and a boost for the economy.
In a statement, the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the suspension would help lower local production costs, strengthen domestic value addition, and support economic diversification.
“We applaud the government for listening to the concerns of stakeholders and taking swift action to redress the issue,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
He explained that the association, which represents manufacturers across diverse sectors, believes the policy reversal will enable businesses to remain competitive and resilient in a challenging economic environment.
Ajayi-Kadir noted that members of MAN had expressed anxious concerns about the potential impact of the FOB charge on operations, adding that the government’s decision brings welcome relief.
The DG further expressed confidence that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would swiftly communicate the directive to all commands and remove the charge from its portal, in line with ongoing reforms.
He also reiterated MAN’s expectation for the full restoration of the B’Odogwu platform, a key customs facilitation tool.
Industry watchers say the suspension signals improved policy responsiveness and could enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
