The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Tincan Island Command has taken bold steps to clarifying what it described as misleading claims by a United States of America returnee that the Command was requesting the sum of ₦76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
Tincan Island Customs Command in a statement endorsed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent of Customs, Ngozi Okwara.
According to the statement, the 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, who made his allegations in an online publication resorted to making unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures.
It clearly explained that Tincan Island Customs Command followed the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3) in its dealings with David-Albert.
The statement read: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has been drawn to an online publication by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert, alleging frustration over the sum of ₦76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
“”The Command considers it necessary to address these claims and provide the public with factual clarity regarding the situation.
“In line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), it is expressly stated that goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free.
“However, this provision 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.
“Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20 per cent, a levy of 20 per cent, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent, 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.
While stating that it is disheartening the path David-Abert toed, the statement challenged him to come up with evidence of any officer of the Command that made the purported request of N76 million from him fir the clearing of his cargo.
“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 statement said further.
It reminded the public that one of the core roles of the Service is to facilitate the clearance of legitimate good, adding that it will continue to uphold transparency, fairness and professionalism.
It added that 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 behaviour of attempting to circumvent due process would not be entertained there,” it noted.
“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 favour while supporting legitimate trade,” the statement stressed.