These are not the best of times for importers and clearing agents operating at the nation’s sea ports. They are to pay more on every good they import going by new exchange rate regime approved for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by the Central of Nigeria (CBN).
Under the apex bank’s new directive, foreign exchange rate to be used by the NCS for the clearing of imported goods, including vehicles through the ports has gone up.
The exchange rate rose from N770.88 to N783.174 per dollar in the process of clearing goods from the ports.
Stakeholders in the maritime industry told newsmen over the weekend, that with the new rate, which was contained in the Customs’ official website, the cost of imported goods in the market will rise, especially, with the approach of the festive season.