Customs Backs CBN E-Invoicing Policy, Despite Protests

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has supported Central Bank of Nigeria e-invoicing and e-valuation policy, which has stirred reaction from clearing agents.

Custom supported the decision of the apex bank despite clearing agents and the House of Representatives requesting for the policy to be squashed.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of NCS, Galadima Saidu, while speaking at the house on Thursday said Customs supports the initiative because it is meant to serve Nigeria well.

The Central bank had put the policy in place to monitor the value of exports and imports trade in Nigeria.

The decision of the apex bank became effective on February 1, 2022, leading to clearing agents in Lagos embarking on strike, which forced a reroute of cargoes to Port Harcourt and Calabar ports.

The decision of the clearing agents to embark on strike made the Lagos port congested due to the strike.

The agents disclosed that the policy would increase the cost of clearing a vehicle at the port up to N800,000, from N300,000 or N400,000.

Saidu while speaking on the position of the customs to the House committees on customs and excise, banking and currency, said, “Let us look at it as a home issue. Every day, we graduate students in computer science with no jobs.

“We should give them the opportunity. If the service providers can come in and give you the capacity to do this thing for a period of six months, at least, it is okay.”

The assistant comptroller-general further stated, “The CBN should tell us who is providing the service. Who is engaged to provide this service? If they tell us they are Nigerians and they would employ Nigerians, fine and good, no one is against it.”

Taking a neutral stand, the chairman of the committee, Leke Abejide, said all relevant stakeholders should be involved by the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN.