The Green Tax Policy has come under fresh criticism as the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) called on the Federal Government to suspend its planned implementation from July 1, 2026, citing inadequate consultation with key stakeholders.
The association said licensed customs agents, importers and other affected operators were not sufficiently engaged or sensitised before the policy’s scheduled rollout, raising concerns over its impact on Nigeria’s import and trade environment.
In a statement signed by ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji, the association argued that a policy with significant implications for import duties, cargo valuation, shipping arrangements and business planning should not be introduced without broad stakeholder engagement. According to the statement, only a limited section of the trading community in Lagos was invited to a consultation meeting less than 72 hours before the proposed commencement date.
The association stated: “even more astonishing was the extremely late invitation extended to stakeholders for the consultation meeting. Such an approach is insensitive, procedurally defective and inconsistent with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, stakeholder engagement and due consultation that should ordinarily guide the implementation of major public policies.”
ANLCA added that fiscal reforms of this nature should be preceded by adequate notice, nationwide consultations, public sensitisation and sufficient transition periods to enable businesses comply without disruption.
The association also objected to the application of the Green Tax Policy to shipments that were already on their way to Nigeria before the policy’s commencement.
It warned that imposing the levy on goods already in transit would create a retrospective financial burden on importers and customs agents who entered commercial agreements under the existing tariff structure. According to ANLCA, the decision could expose businesses to unexpected financial losses, contractual disputes and increased uncertainty within the international trading community.
Beyond consultation concerns, the association said several operational issues remain unresolved. One of the major concerns raised was the absence of a clearly defined methodology for determining engine capacities, which will form the basis for Green Tax assessments on imported vehicles. The association warned that the lack of clear guidelines could result in inconsistent assessments, disputes between traders and customs officials, and discretionary decisions during cargo clearance.
ANLCA maintained that it supports government efforts to formulate fiscal policies aimed at strengthening the economy but stressed that implementation should follow due process and extensive stakeholder engagement.
The association therefore urged the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to suspend or postpone the Green Tax Policy until comprehensive consultations have been conducted across the country and outstanding implementation issues have been addressed. According to the group, a more inclusive approach would strengthen confidence in government policies, minimise disruption to legitimate trade and improve Nigeria’s investment and business environment.
