Review of Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card fees
The Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) recently confirmed approval by the Honourable Minister of Interior (the Minister) for the upward review of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) fees from $1,000 to $2,000 per annum. The Minister also added that there would not be a further review of the CERPAC fees until three years after the implementation of the new fee. Further, it is expected that the review will not affect missionaries/student CERPAC fees. The review had already taken effect in December 2018 and branches of the only commercial bank designated to sell the forms are adhering strictly to the new price.
Nigeria Immigration Service suspends biometrics enrolment and associated charges for Visa on Arrival
The Nigeria Immigration Service has temporarily suspended the biometrics enrolment process and associated $90 charge for Visa on Arrival (VoA). The suspension only applies to the recently introduced biometrics enrolment aspect of the VoA policy.
The Continental Free Trade Agreement: Is no deal the right deal for Nigeria?
On 22 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, Heads of State of forty-four African countries, gathered to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (“AfCFTA” or “the Agreement”), the landmark agreement which amongst others aims to liberalize trade across Africa.
Nigeria’s new excise regime: Is this the right time?
Barring any last minute reversal, locally manufactured tobacco and alcoholic beverages (“Excisable Products”) will be subject to a new excise regime from 4 June 2018. This new regime is pursuant to Section 13 of the Customs, Excise Tariff Etc. (Consolidation) Act which enables the Nigerian President to impose, vary or remove any import or excise duty.
Federal Government approves changes to excise duty regime
The Federal Government of Nigeria (“FGN”), has approved changes to the rates and bases for levying excise duties on alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The new regime, communicated via the circular referenced 17642/II/172 and dated 6 March 2018 (“the Circular”), becomes effective from 4 June 2018 and the increase in taxes will be phased on a graduated scale from June 2018 to 2020.
The new import and export guidelines: Any respite for the trader?
Monday, 1 January 2018, did not only mark the celebration of New Year in Nigeria, it also heralded the effectiveness of the revised import and export guidelines (the Guidelines) issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
Federal Government issues revised guidelines for Export Expansion Grant scheme
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), vide the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), recently issued the revised guidelines for operation of the Export Expansion Grant scheme (hereinafter referred to as “EEG” or “the Scheme”). This move follows the decision of the FGN to reintroduce the Scheme, which had been suspended since 2013.
Nigeria Immigration Service bans cash payment at passport offices
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on Monday, 28 August 2017, announced the ban of cash payment for processing of Nigerian passports in all passport offices across the country.
