ANLCA Slams FG Over Questionable Rollout of Green Tax

BY KESSIENNA SHEPHERDS
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has issued a fiery statement condemning what it describes as the irresponsible and brazen manner the Federal Government’s “irresponsible has adopted to enforce the contentious Green Tax Policy.
In a release signed by its National President, Emenike K. Nwokeoji, ANLCA accused the government of official arrogance and reckless, oppressive tendencies, warning that the rushed implementation of the policy threatens Nigeria’s fragile trade environment.
ANLCA expressed shock that a fiscal policy with such far-reaching implications on import duty, cargo valuation, contractual obligations, and shipping arrangements was communicated to only a section of the trading community in Lagos, with barely 72 hours before its proposed enforcement. The association described the late invitation to stakeholders for consultation as “insensitive, procedurally defective, and inconsistent with fairness, inclusiveness, and due consultation.”
The release reads further: We are deeply embarrassed and surprised that a fiscal policy of such far-reaching implications on import duty, cargo valuation, contractual obligations, shipping arrangements, and business planning was communicated to only a section of the critical trading community in Lagos barely 72 hours before its proposed implementation.
“Fiscal policies of this magnitude ought to be preceded by adequate notice, extensive consultations nationwide, comprehensive sensitisation, and sufficient transitional periods,” the release stated. “Anything short of this undermines confidence in government policies and exposes legitimate businesses to avoidable financial losses.”
Of particular concern to ANLCA is the decision to apply the new levy to shipments already in transit. The association warned that this amounts to a retrospective fiscal burden, forcing importers and customs agents into severe financial losses and disputes over contracts signed under the old tariff regime.
The group also flagged ambiguity in the methodology for determining engine capacities for Green Tax assessment, noting that the lack of clear guidelines could lead to confusion, inconsistent assessments, and arbitrary discretion by customs officers.
Accordingly, ANLCA outlined its position and “prayers” to the Federal Government, and called for the following:
-Immediate suspension or postponement of the Green Tax Policy until nationwide consultations are conducted.
-Publication of clear guidelines on assessment methodology, valuation parameters, and operational procedures.
-Comprehensive sensitisation of importers, customs agents, freight forwarders, and shipping companies.
-Reasonable transition period to allow businesses to adjust contractual obligations without incurring losses.
Despite its strong words, ANLCA reiterated its readiness to engage constructively with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies to develop a realistic timeline and practical guidelines that align with international best practices while protecting legitimate trade.
“At the outset, we wish to make it abundantly clear that ANLCA is not challenging the authority of the Federal Government to formulate or implement fiscal policies. As a responsible stakeholder in Nigeria’s international trade ecosystem, we remain committed to supporting government initiatives aimed at national economic development and environmental sustainability.”