Nigeria Customs Service Refutes ₦76 Million Allegation by US Returnee at Tincan Island Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has addressed claims made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, alleging that ₦76 million was demanded to clear his vehicles and personal belongings. In a statement released on December 30, the Command described the allegations as misleading and clarified the facts surrounding the issue.
According to the statement, while the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026 permits Nigerian citizens who have resided abroad for at least nine months to import personal belongings duty-free, vehicles and goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange are excluded from this exemption.
Mr. David-Albert’s consignment includes two vehicles, one of which is a luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV. The NCS stated that the vehicles are subject to duty payments in line with customs regulations. The applicable charges include a 20% import duty, a 20% levy, and a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), amounting to a total of ₦34,969,374.00 for both vehicles. This figure, the Command emphasized, is significantly less than the ₦53.5 million allegedly suggested as a compromise in the publication.
The Tincan Island Port Command categorically denied Mr. David-Albert’s claim that any of its officers demanded ₦76 million for the clearance of his consignment. The Command urged him to provide evidence and identify any officer involved in misconduct to facilitate appropriate action.
The statement also reminded the public of the Service's commitment to transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations. The Command emphasized that the statutory requirements for duty payment must be met to clear goods, stressing that similar regulations apply in countries where Mr. David-Albert had previously resided.
The NCS reiterated its core mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing the law without fear or favor.
Signed:
Ngozi Okpara
Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Officer
Tincan Island Port Command
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