The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a de minimis threshold value of $300 for low-value consignments imported through express shipments or passenger baggage.
De minimis means the minimum value of goods below which no customs duties or taxes are charged when importing into a country.
In a statement on Sunday, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS public relations officer, said the decision was taken at the board’s 63rd regular meeting on September 2, chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.
He said the decision, which takes effect on September 8, aligns with the best global practices that aim to simplify clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhance trade facilitation, and provide clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers.
“By definition, it is essential to note that the De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation,” the statement reads.
“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the Board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold. This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.
“The threshold, which is restricted to four importations per annum, aligns with Section 3(c & d), subsections (5 & 6), and other relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act. 2023, as well as international instruments, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention.
“Under the new regulation, goods valued at $300 or less will be exempted from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items.
“Similarly, passenger merchandise in baggage not exceeding the same value shall also be exempted.”
Maiwada said the framework also ensures immediate clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation, but warned that strict enforcement measures would be taken against stakeholders who attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations.
“Noncompliance penalties include forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023,” he said.
To aid implementation, the NCS PRO said the service would set up multi-channel helpdesks to engage stakeholders, offer compliance guidance, address inquiries, and resolve complaints.
Maiwada added that the initiative is expected to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, minimise clearance delays, and further consolidate Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade facilitation.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")