Customs Grants 90-day Window To Regularise Imported Vehicles Duty

Abuja, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, approved a 90-day special window for importers, buyers and users of improperly imported used and new vehicles to regularise their papers.

In a statement by the NCS national public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the service also slammed the 25 per cent surcharge as penalty on the smuggled vehicles, saying duty payments must be made using the Procedure Code specifically created for this exercise.

According to Maiwada, in the statement titled, ‘approval of 90 day window for payment of import duty on improperly imported vehicles,’ the special window was approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
“In a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the directive of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is pleased to announce a 90-day window for regularising import duties on specific categories of vehicles.

“This initiative applies solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to under-valuation. While we strive for inclusivity, it is important to clarify that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the federal government in accordance with extant regulations.

“All vehicle owners, Importers/Agents seeking to regularise import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the Zonal Coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and CAC FCT Command. They must submit the necessary available documents and process Vreg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles,” the service spokesman stated.