Customs wants petrol tax suspended 15 years ago to be reintroduced

November 14, 2019 3:22 PM

Customs boss, Ali says there is no better time to reintroduce the importation tax on petroleum products, which was suspended 15 years ago.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali says the importation tax on petroleum products is being implemented in other countries, and as a result, Nigeria should implement it. [Twitter/@NGRPresident]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is making a case for the federal government to reintroduce the suspended importation tax on petroleum products.

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Speaking at the 2020 budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali, stated that it has become important to reintroduce the tax regime in line with global best practices.

Giving his reason for the government to consider the tax regime reintroduction, the Customs boss noted that currently, the same type of tax is being implemented in about 36 countries at an average of $2.24 per gallon.

Ali added, “The petroleum tax regime of 2004 before its suspension, imposed N1.50 per litre. It is the considered opinion of the service that this regime be reintroduced in line with international best practices as it’s currently operational in over 36 countries at an average of $2.24 per gallon.”

Recall that the tax on imported petroleum products was suspended in 2014. Prior to its suspension, fuel importers paid a tax of N1.50 per litre on any petroleum product.

Damilare Famuyiwa Damilare Famuyiwa is a journalist and media consultant with over seven years of experience.

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