No Duty Exemption For Any Imported Vehicle, Customs Declare

The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated that all categories of vehicles imported into Nigeria whether public or privately owned must pay duty as stipulated by the Law.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs Jack Okpabi, who doubles as the Coordinator of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Headquarters, stated this in Abuja at a press briefing while displaying exotic cars that were seized by the Service, adding that over N400 million will be recovered from demand notices of the seized vehicles.

“We have over 100 exotic vehicles seized and 38 have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The operation will lead to the recovery of over N400m from demand notices”. He said.

Speaking further,he said, “I want to emphasize that the Service will not hesitate to bring to book any offender caught smuggling vehicles into Nigeria, and they will be charged with smuggling offenses even if they’re customs officers. This matter is decisive to us and will not be taken lightly.” DC Okpabi said.

He added that “The law does not favour any private, government-owned institution including the Nigeria Customs Service or individual to import vehicles without payment of Customs Duty, which is why the Service embarked on the operation that led to the interception of over a hundred Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser and other models of exotic vehicles,”

DC Okpabi further called for more synergy with stakeholders in tackling smuggling in Nigeria.