The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has addressed claims made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, regarding alleged frustrations over a ₦76 million demand to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
The Command, in a press statement, issued on Tuesday, described the allegations as misleading and provided clarifications to set the record straight.
According to the statement signed by Ngozi Okwara, Tincan Island Port Command spokesperson, under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, personal belongings classified as “baggage” are duty-free for Nigerian citizens who have lived abroad for at least nine months. However, this exemption does not extend to vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.
The Command clarified that while David-Albert’s personal belongings qualify for duty-free import, his two vehicles, including a 2024 Hyundai SUV, are not exempt from duty payments.
It said the applicable rates for the vehicles include a 20% Import Duty, a 20% levy, and a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Based on these calculations, the total duty value for the two vehicles amounts to ₦34,969,374.00—far below the ₦53.5 million cited in the returnees claim as a “compromise” amount.
The Command dismissed David-Albert’s claim of being asked to pay ₦76 million as unsubstantiated. It challenged him to provide evidence of misconduct by identifying any officer who might have demanded such a sum.
“It is disheartening that Mr. David-Albert has chosen to make baseless claims in the media rather than adhere to the established procedures,” the statement read. “The Command categorically states that no officer of the Tincan Island Port Command made such a demand.”
The statement further emphasised that the NCS is dedicated to facilitating the clearance of legitimate goods while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. It reminded the public that similar customs regulations apply in advanced countries, where attempts to bypass due process would not be tolerated.
The Tincan Island Port Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations, vowing to uphold the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.