March 3, 2024

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is granting a 90-day grace period for payment of import duties on improperly imported vehicles.

National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Maiwada stated that the move was aimed at enhancing compliance and streamlining import processes.

He said that the initiative applied solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria, where the requisite customs duty had not been fulfilled or those 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 the extant regulations.

“All vehicle owners and 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 necessary available documents and process Vreg, in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for registration of imported motor vehicles.

“Valuation and assessment of the vehicles will be carried out, using the VIN valuation method.

“Import duty and 25 per cent penalty shall be paid, in tandem with the import guidelines, procedures and documentation requirements for used vehicles, under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria (2013) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.

The spokesperson further stated that duty payments must be made, using the procedure code specifically created for the exercise.

Maiwada, who said that the initiative was part of NCS`s unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance, encouraged all stakeholders to take advantage of the window of opportunity.