- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has dismissed the N76 million extortion claim filed against the Command by a 70-year-old United States Returnee identified as Olukayode David-Albert.
As contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SC Ngozi Okwara, on Tuesday 31 December 2024, and shared on the Service Facebook page on Friday, NCS disclosed that David-Albert had claimed that Customs officials demanded N76 million to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
The Tincan Island Port Command, however, explained that while Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months are eligible to import their personal belongings duty-free, this exemption does not extend to vehicles.
According to the statement, the David-Albert’s luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, in compliance with Nigeria’s Customs regulations.
NCS further clarified that clarified that the duty value for the two vehicles was determined to be N34.9 million less than the N53.5 million claimed to have been demanded from the septuagenarian.
“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.
“Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20%, a levy of 20%, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5%, in compliance with Nigeria’s Customs regulations”, the statement emphasised.
The NCS Command further reinstated that at no point did any officer demanded N76 million from David-Albert, while stressing that if he has evidence of such misconduct, he is encouraged to come forward and identify the said officer for further necessary action.
The Command reiterated its commitment to transparency and professionalism in its operations while emphasising the importance of complying with established customs regulations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations.
“Tincan Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade”, the statement concluded.