Will Suspending the 4% FOB Import Levy Actually Lower Prices for Nigerians?
By Webnigerians • Saturday 20th September 2025 Investment & Entrepreneurship 1 views
Will Suspending the 4% FOB Import Levy Actually Lower Prices for Nigerians?

After backlash, the government suspended the 4% FOB levy on imports. Will this translate into cheaper goods for consumers and relief for SMEs, or will logistics and FX pressures swallow any gains?

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@joshuaadedeji • Saturday 20th September 2025

Suspending the 4% FOB levy can ease landed costs, but whether Nigerians feel it at retail depends on FX, port charges, trucking, and warehousing. Importers should re-cost SKUs immediately and push updated price lists down their distributor networks; if not, middlemen will pocket the margin. Government can help by publishing worked examples of expected savings for common goods (e.g., electronics, spare parts, FMCG) so the public can hold the chain accountable. Customs should also clear backlogs quickly; delays erase any policy gains via demurrage. For SMEs, use this window to renegotiate supply terms, lock small forward contracts where possible, and diversify suppliers. Consumers may not see dramatic price drops overnight, but steady easing is possible if the logistics stack cooperates. Transparency and competition will determine how much reaches the market.

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