ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Port Command has refuted allegations made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert in an online publication, that the sum of ₦76 million was imposed on him to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
The Command, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent of Customs Ngozi Okwara, and made available to Journalists on Tuesday, 31 December 2024, declared that appropriate Duty Value of ₦34,969,374.00 was placed on Mr Albert baggage contrary to the ₦76 million claims.
Okwara described the claim as unsubstantiated, provides clarifications on the issue and enjoined Mr. Olukayode to rather comply with established procedures as stipulated in ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), instead of spreading false information.
According to her, Mr. David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free which is in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), which states that goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free.
But, this provision, Okwara said explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.
“Consequently, while Mr. David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free, the two vehicles in his consignment are not exempted from duty payments,” She said.
“Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, in compliance with Nigeria’s customs regulations.
“The Command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be ₦34,969,374.00. This value is significantly less than the ₦53.5 million alleged as a “compromise” amount in the publication,” Ngozi affirmed.
She urged Mr. David-Albert to comply with established procedures instead of spreading false information.
To her, “It is disheartening that Mr. David-Albert has resorted to making unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures.
“The Command categorically states that at no point did any officer of the Tincan Island Port Command request for ₦76 million as alleged.
“If Mr. David-Albert has evidence of such misconduct, he is encouraged to come forward and identify the said officer for further necessary action.
“The Command further wishes to remind the public that one of the core roles of the Service is to facilitate the clearance of legitimate goods. However, the onus remains on Mr David to meet the statutory requirements for duty payment.
“It is pertinent to note that similar regulations apply in advanced countries where Mr. David-Albert previously resided, and such behavior of attempting to circumvent due process would not be entertained there.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations. The Tincan Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade,” She concluded.
